Coveting: meaning, definitions and examples

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coveting

[ ˈkəʊvɪtɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

desire

To covet means to have a strong desire for something that belongs to someone else. It often involves longing for something that is not rightfully yours.

Synonyms

crave, desire, envy, yearn.

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Word Description / Examples
coveting

Used when someone wants something that belongs to someone else, often with a sense of wrongful longing.

  • He was coveting his neighbor's new car
  • She couldn’t stop coveting the job her colleague had
crave

Used for an intense desire or longing, often for something specific, like food or a particular experience.

  • She craved chocolate all day
  • He craves adventure in his life
desire

General term for wanting or wishing for something. It can be used in a variety of contexts, both positive and negative.

  • He has a strong desire to succeed
  • They desire peace and quiet
envy

Used when someone feels jealous and resentful because they want something someone else has. This term often carries a negative connotation.

  • His envy of his friend’s success was obvious
  • She felt envy towards her sister’s good looks
yearn

Used when someone feels an intense longing, especially for something that is lost or far away. Often carries a sentimental or emotional tone.

  • He yearned for the days of his youth
  • She yearns to see her family again

Examples of usage

  • He was coveting his neighbor's new car.
  • She couldn't help but covet her friend's designer handbag.
  • The tenth commandment in the Bible warns against coveting.
  • His coveting of the company's success led him to make unethical decisions.
  • Stop coveting what others have and focus on your own blessings.

Translations

Translations of the word "coveting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cobiça

🇮🇳 लालसा

🇩🇪 Begehrlichkeit

🇮🇩 keinginan

🇺🇦 жадання

🇵🇱 pożądanie

🇯🇵 渇望

🇫🇷 convoitise

🇪🇸 codicia

🇹🇷 hırs

🇰🇷 갈망

🇸🇦 طمع

🇨🇿 touha

🇸🇰 túžba

🇨🇳 渴望

🇸🇮 želja

🇮🇸 löngun

🇰🇿 құмарлық

🇬🇪 სურვილი

🇦🇿 həsrət

🇲🇽 codicia

Etymology

The word 'coveting' has its origins in the Old French word 'coveitier', which meant 'to desire greatly'. It has been a part of the English language since the Middle Ages, stemming from the Latin word 'cupiditas', meaning 'desire'. The concept of coveting has been explored in various religious texts, such as the Ten Commandments in the Bible, which warn against coveting what belongs to others.

See also: covet, coveted, covetous.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,918 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.