pecuniary

[ pi-kyoo-nee-er-ee ]

adjective

1. of or relating to money:

   pecuniary difficulties.

2. consisting of or given or exacted in money or monetary payments:

   pecuniary tributes.

3. (of a crime, violation, etc.) involving a money penalty or fine.

pecuniary

/ pɪˈkjuːnɪərɪ /

adjective

1. consisting of or relating to money
2. law (of an offence) involving a monetary penalty

Derived Forms

• peˈcuniarily, adverb

Other Words From

• pe·cu·ni·ar·i·ly [pi-kyoo-nee-, air, -i-lee], adverb
• nonpe·cuni·ary adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pecuniary¹

First recorded in 1500–10; from Latin pecūniārius, derivative of pecūnia “property, money (wealth in cattle),” derivative of pecū “flock”; peculiar, fief ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of pecuniary¹

C16: from Latin pecūniāris, from pecūnia money

Synonym Study

See financial.

Example Sentences

So we actually framed the work-from-anywhere policy as a non-pecuniary benefit.

From Freakonomics

Yet according to Hamilton, “it was quickly apparent that other than pecuniary consolation would be acceptable.”

From The Daily Beast

Many Democrats have found the pecuniary power of Republican Super PACS highly intimidating.

From The Daily Beast

As a young man he had been remarkable for his liberality in pecuniary matters.

From Project Gutenberg

It is, however, a most serious matter as affecting the character and pecuniary value of these mines.

From Project Gutenberg

From that date until Barker left France, Pschard collaborated with him, reaping no pecuniary benefit therefrom.

From Project Gutenberg

Consequently the House gave a friendly reception to a Bill intended to relieve them of some of their pecuniary burdens.

From Project Gutenberg

The pecuniary arrangements were all made, and the bargain completed, before Jane knew any thing of the matter.

From Project Gutenberg