Covetous: meaning, definitions and examples
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covetous
[ ˈkʌv.ɪ.təs ]
in a negative way
Having or showing a great desire to possess something, typically something belonging to someone else.
Synonyms
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.
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.