Covetous: meaning, definitions and examples

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covetous

 

[ ˈkʌv.ɪ.təs ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

in a negative way

Having or showing a great desire to possess something, typically something belonging to someone else.

Synonyms

envious, greedy, jealous

Examples of usage

  • He couldn't hide his covetous glances at his neighbor's new car.
  • Her covetous nature made her jealous of her friend's success.
Context #2 | Adjective

in a materialistic way

Excessively desirous of material things.

Synonyms

avaricious, grasping, rapacious

Examples of usage

  • The covetous attitude of the society led to widespread corruption.
  • His covetous behavior towards money alienated his friends.

Translations

Translations of the word "covetous" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cobiçoso

🇮🇳 लालची

🇩🇪 begierig

🇮🇩 rakus

🇺🇦 жадібний

🇵🇱 chciwy

🇯🇵 貪欲な (どんよくな)

🇫🇷 cupidité

🇪🇸 codicioso

🇹🇷 hırslı

🇰🇷 탐욕스러운

🇸🇦 جشع

🇨🇿 chtivý

🇸🇰 chamtivý

🇨🇳 贪婪的 (tānlán de)

🇸🇮 pohlepni

🇮🇸 gráðugur

🇰🇿 құмар

🇬🇪 მოწყურებული

🇦🇿 tamahkar

🇲🇽 codicioso

Word origin

The word 'covetous' originated from the Old French word 'coveitos', which came from the Latin 'cupidus' meaning 'eager, desirous'. The negative connotation of the word developed over time to signify an excessive desire for something, especially material possessions. The concept of covetousness has been explored in various religious texts and moral philosophies as a vice that leads to discontent and unethical behavior.

See also: covet, coveted, coveting.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,501, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.