Acquisitiveness: meaning, definitions and examples

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acquisitiveness

 

[ əˌkwɪzɪtɪvnəs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

desire for wealth or possessions

Acquisitiveness is the strong desire to acquire and possess material things, often at the expense of other values such as relationships or experiences. It is characterized by a constant craving for more and more belongings, driven by a sense of lack or inadequacy.

Synonyms

covetousness, greed, materialism.

Examples of usage

  • His acquisitiveness knew no bounds as he amassed a collection of luxury cars and designer clothes.
  • She realized that her acquisitiveness was causing strain in her relationships, as she prioritized material possessions over quality time with loved ones.
Context #2 | Noun

desire for knowledge or information

Acquisitiveness can also refer to a strong desire to acquire knowledge or information. This type of acquisitiveness is characterized by a hunger for learning and intellectual growth, often leading to a deep curiosity about the world.

Synonyms

curiosity, inquisitiveness, thirst for knowledge.

Examples of usage

  • Her acquisitiveness for learning led her to pursue a degree in philosophy, eager to explore different schools of thought.
  • The acquisitiveness of the students was evident as they delved into research projects, seeking to expand their understanding of the subject.

Translations

Translations of the word "acquisitiveness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cobiça

🇮🇳 लालच

🇩🇪 Habgier

🇮🇩 keserakahan

🇺🇦 жадібність

🇵🇱 chciwość

🇯🇵 強欲 (ごうよく)

🇫🇷 avidité

🇪🇸 avaricia

🇹🇷 açgözlülük

🇰🇷 탐욕 (tam-yok)

🇸🇦 جشع

🇨🇿 chamtivost

🇸🇰 chamtivosť

🇨🇳 贪婪 (tānlán)

🇸🇮 pohlep

🇮🇸 græðgi

🇰🇿 ашкөздік

🇬🇪 სიხარბე

🇦🇿 tamahlılıq

🇲🇽 avaricia

Etymology

The word 'acquisitiveness' originated from the Latin word 'acquisitio', which means 'acquiring'. The concept of acquisitiveness has been a subject of philosophical and psychological inquiry, exploring the motivations behind the desire for acquisition. While acquisitiveness can manifest in different forms, such as material possessions or knowledge, it often reflects deeper psychological needs and societal influences.

See also: acquirable, acquirer, acquirers, acquiring, acquisition, reacquire.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,869 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.