Coveted: meaning, definitions and examples
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coveted
[ˈkʌvɪtɪd ]
Definitions
in demand
Greatly desired or sought after by many people.
Synonyms
desired, in demand, popular, sought after.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| coveted |
This word is best used when describing something that people deeply desire and often compete for. It usually implies a sense of high value and scarcity.
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| desired |
This word can be used in a broader range of situations to indicate something that people want or wish for, without the strong connotation of rarity or competition.
|
| sought after |
Ideal for describing something that people actively seek out, often because it is seen as valuable or of high quality. Similar to 'coveted,' but less intense.
|
| in demand |
Best used when referring to something that many people currently want or need, often in the context of products, services, or skills.
|
| popular |
Use when something is widely liked or accepted by a large number of people. It generally has a positive connotation and is often used with trends, products, or cultural phenomena.
|
Examples of usage
- The company's latest product became the most coveted item in the market.
- She won the coveted award for best actress at the film festival.
desired
Yearn to possess or have something.
Synonyms
crave, desire, envy, long for.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| coveted |
Used when referring to something that is highly sought after and admired by many people.
|
| desire |
Used in a broad sense to express a strong wish for something or someone, can be applied in various contexts.
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| crave |
Often used to describe a strong desire, usually for something specific and often related to food or a strong emotional need.
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| long for |
Implies a deep, lasting yearning, often for something that is difficult to obtain or far away in time or place.
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| envy |
Carries a negative connotation and is used when feeling resentment or longing for what someone else has.
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Examples of usage
- She coveted the luxurious car that her neighbor owned.
- He secretly coveted his colleague's promotion.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'cupiditas', meaning desire or longing.
- It made its way into Middle English from the Old French word 'coveitier' in the 14th century.
- The act of coveting has been discussed in various religious texts, often warning against desiring what belongs to others.
Psychology
- Desiring something that others want can lead to a psychological phenomenon known as social comparison, affecting self-esteem.
- Research shows that the feeling of coveting can trigger dopamine release, much like experiencing a reward.
- People often feel more motivated to achieve or obtain coveted items, sometimes leading to unhealthy competition.
Literature
- In Shakespeare's plays, characters often covet power, love, or wealth, suggesting it leads to conflict and tragedy.
- Classic novels often explore themes of coveting, showcasing how desire drives characters to take extreme actions.
- Famous stories like 'The Great Gatsby' delve into the repercussions of yearning for what is unattainable.
Pop Culture
- In movies, coveted items are often depicted as treasures that characters go on quests to find.
- The 'coveted' status is often portrayed in competitions, like beauty pageants or talent shows, where only one can win a prize.
- Many awards, such as the Oscars, are considered coveted due to their high prestige and recognition in the film industry.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, material possessions such as cars, houses, or luxury goods are often seen as coveted objects of success.
- Religious teachings across different cultures warn against coveting others' possessions, suggesting it leads to moral failings.
- Traditionally, coveted items can symbolize social status, reflecting societal values and what a culture deems important.
Translations
Translations of the word "coveted" in other languages:
🇵🇹 cobiçado
🇮🇳 लालसा
🇩🇪 begehrt
🇮🇩 didambakan
🇺🇦 жаданий
🇵🇱 pożądany
🇯🇵 切望された
🇫🇷 convoité
🇪🇸 codiciado
🇹🇷 imrenilen
🇰🇷 갈망하는
🇸🇦 مطلوب
🇨🇿 žádaný
🇸🇰 žiaduci
🇨🇳 梦寐以求的
🇸🇮 zaželen
🇮🇸 eftirsóttur
🇰🇿 қалаулы
🇬🇪 სასურველი
🇦🇿 arzulanan
🇲🇽 codiciado