Avarice Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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avarice

[ˈævərɪs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

in finance

Extreme greed for wealth or material gain. It is characterized by a strong desire to accumulate money and possessions, often at the expense of others.

Synonyms

covetousness, greed, rapacity.

Examples of usage

  • Avarice is considered one of the seven deadly sins in Christianity.
  • His avarice led him to exploit his employees for personal gain.
  • The company's downfall was ultimately caused by the CEO's avarice.

Translations

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Origin of 'avarice'

The word 'avarice' originated from the Latin word 'avaritia', meaning greed. It has been used in English since the late 13th century to describe the excessive desire for wealth or possessions. Throughout history, avarice has been a common theme in literature, philosophy, and religious teachings, often associated with negative consequences and moral lessons.


See also: avaricious.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,261, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.