'nepotistic' originates from English, formed from the noun 'nepotism' plus the adjective suffix '-ic'; 'nepotism' ultimately comes from Italian 'nepotismo' and Latin 'nepos', where 'nepos' meant 'nephew' or 'grandchild'.

'nepotistic' developed from the English noun 'nepotism' (from Italian 'nepotismo'), which in turn derived from Latin 'nepos'; historically 'nepotism' described the practice (especially by popes and bishops) of granting positions to nephews and relatives, and the adjective 'nepotistic' later formed to describe such practices.

Initially, the root referred specifically to favoring nephews ('nepos')—notably in ecclesiastical appointments—but over time the term broadened to mean favoring relatives or close associates in general; 'nepotistic' now describes any such favoritism.