两个单词均可用于指官员的贪污。其区别在于graft没有 corruption正式，即corruption是法律上正式所指的improper and usually unlawful conduct intended to secure a benefit for oneself or another，其为一正式法律用语，除指“贪污”之外，同时还指受贿等[1]。相比之下，graft则指利用职位非法谋取钱财，尤指官员“贪污公款”（public official's fraudulently acquisition of public funds)[2] ， 指受贿时，其为一非正式用语，即informally indicates corruption of officials[3] 。

[1] "Granting of favors inconsistent with official duties." Cf. Daphne Dukelow, The

Dictionary of Canadian Law, at p. 222, Thomson professional Publishing Canada (1991 ).

[2] Cf. Bryan A. Gamer, Black's Law Dictionary, 7th edition, at p. 706, West Group (1999) ； "The popular meaning is the fraudulent obtaining of public money unlawfully by the corruption of public officers. " Cf. The publisher's Editorial Staff, Black's Law Dictionary, abridged 6th edition, at p. 482 , West Publishing Co. (1991).

[3] "(Informal) Corruption of officials." Cf. P. H. Collin, Dictionary of Law, 2nd edition, at p, 246, Peter Collin Publishing Ltd. (1993).