Coveting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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coveting
[หkษสvษชtษชล ]
Definition
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
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| coveting |
Used when someone wants something that belongs to someone else, often with a sense of wrongful longing.
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| crave |
Used for an intense desire or longing, often for something specific, like food or a particular experience.
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| desire |
General term for wanting or wishing for something. It can be used in a variety of contexts, both positive and negative.
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| envy |
Used when someone feels jealous and resentful because they want something someone else has. This term often carries a negative connotation.
|
| yearn |
Used when someone feels an intense longing, especially for something that is lost or far away. Often carries a sentimental or emotional tone.
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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
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The word 'covet' comes from the Old French 'covuet', which means 'to desire eagerly'.
- In the biblical context, coveting is mentioned in the Ten Commandments, warning against desiring another person's belongings.
- The term has been used in literature for centuries, often reflecting moral and ethical dilemmas.
Cultural Insights
- In many cultures, coveting is viewed negatively, seen as a source of jealousy and conflict.
- Literature often portrays coveting as a catalyst for action, leading characters to make poor decisions.
- The concept is explored in various art forms, from paintings showing possessive themes to modern films depicting obsessive desire.
Psychology
- Psychologists have studied how feelings of coveting can tie into self-esteem, often leading to comparisons with others.
- Research suggests that coveting can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction, even when one has enough.
- Understanding this emotion can help individuals find healthier ways to appreciate what they have.
Literature
- Classic tales such as 'The Great Gatsby' illustrate the destructive nature of coveting wealth and status.
- Shakespeare's plays often feature characters who covet what others possess, revealing the human condition.
- This theme appears in many fairy tales, like 'Cinderella', where envy drives the story's conflict.
Ethics
- Many philosophical discussions revolve around the idea of coveting and its moral implications.
- Coveting is often linked with the idea of fairness, as it can create inequality and resentment within communities.
- Exploring what it means to covet can lead to deeper conversations about desire versus need.
Origin of 'coveting'
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.
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.
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- 32915 aspersion
- 32916 medicament
- 32917 mnemonics
- 32918 coveting
- 32919 skewing
- 32920 piglet
- 32921 petulantly
- ...