Pronunciation: [bɹˈa͡ɪb] (IPA) 
The word "bribe" is spelled b-r-i-b-e. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /braɪb/. The "b" sound at the beginning of the word is voiced, while the "r" sound is tapped. The "i" sound is a diphthong, starting with an "ah" sound and transitioning to an "ee" sound. The "b" and "e" sounds at the end of the word are also voiced. The spelling of "bribe" is straightforward and matches its phonetic pronunciation closely.
A bribe, as per its dictionary definition, refers to a form of inducement in which goods, money, or favors are offered or given to someone in a position of power, authority, or influence, typically a public official, with the intention of influencing their actions, decisions, or behavior in a manner that benefits the briber. This act is generally considered unethical and potentially illegal in many jurisdictions.
Bribes may come in various forms, such as cash payments, gifts, services, extravagant favors, or any other valuable consideration. The purpose behind offering a bribe is to gain an advantage or obtain illicit benefits, often at the expense of fairness, honesty, and integrity. Bribes can be used to secure lucrative contracts, obtain special privileges, avoid punishment, gain favorable treatment, manipulate legal decisions, or influence political outcomes.
Although the act of bribery typically involves the exchange of goods or money, it can also extend to promises, blackmail, extortion, or any act that serves as an incentive to sway or corrupt the recipient's judgment or actions. The consequences of engaging in bribery can range from severe reputational damage, legal penalties, and criminal charges for both parties involved. Additionally, bribery undermines trust, transparency, and accountability within society and institutions, hindering the functioning of fair and just governance.
Efforts are made globally to combat bribery through legal frameworks, anti-corruption laws, strict enforcement, and international collaborations. Organizations, such as Transparency International, work towards increasing awareness and addressing the issue of bribery, promoting ethical standards, and advocating for integrity and fairness in public and private spheres.
• A price or reward given to induce any one to do a criminal or immoral action; a gift for the purpose of obtaining an undue compliance-unless in familiar language, never used in a good sense.
• To give or promise a reward with the view of perverting the judgment or conduct of another; to hire for a bad purpose.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "bribe" originated from the Old French word "briber", which meant to beg or borrow. This term later evolved to have a different meaning, referring to corrupt practices involving the act of giving or receiving money or gifts to influence someone's actions or decisions. The exact origin of "briber" in Old French is uncertain, but it is believed to have been influenced by the Gaulish (Celtic language spoken in France before Latin) verb "brivoire", which meant to steal or rob. Over time, "briber" underwent changes in spelling and pronunciation until it took its current form as "bribe" in the English language.
