Covetous: meaning, definitions and examples

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covetous

[ˈkʌv.ɪ.təs ]

Definitions

^{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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
covetous	This word is often used to describe someone who has a strong desire, especially for something that belongs to someone else. It carries a negative connotation, implying an inappropriate or excessive longing. She cast a covetous glance at her neighbor’s luxurious car. His covetous ambitions led him to betray his closest friends.
greedy	Greedy is used to describe a person who wants more than they need or deserve, especially food, money, or power. This word is strongly negative and suggests an excessive and self-serving desire. The greedy executive embezzled millions from the company. His greedy behavior alienated his friends and family.
envious	Envious is used to describe the feeling of wanting what someone else has. It tends to focus on feelings of jealousy and resentment because others have something you desire. This word also carries a negative connotation. He felt envious of his colleague's promotion. The children were envious of their friend’s new toy.
jealous	Jealous is used to describe someone who is fearful of losing something they possess to someone else, such as a relationship or a position. It can also be used similarly to 'envious,' but often includes an element of protectiveness. She was jealous of her partner’s friendship with his colleague. John felt jealous when he saw his friend spending time with someone else.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
covetous	Typically describes a strong desire for something that belongs to someone else, often implying jealousy or envy. The term has a somewhat negative connotation. He was covetous of his neighbor's new sports car. She cast a covetous glance at her friend's designer handbag.
avaricious	Refers to extreme greediness, particularly for wealth or material gain. This word is generally used in a very negative sense. The avaricious businessman exploited his workers to amass his fortune. Her avaricious nature made her unpopular among her peers.
grasping	Describes someone who is greedy or eager to gain and possess material things, often to the point of being scheming or manipulative. This word carries a negative connotation. He was known as a grasping landlord, always looking to increase rent at every opportunity. Her grasping attitude alienated her from her colleagues.
rapacious	Describes an aggressive or predatory form of greed, often involving the taking of resources or possessions without consideration for others. This word is also negatively charged. The rapacious soldiers looted the village without mercy. The rapacious corporate takeover left many employees without jobs.

Examples of usage

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

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'cupiditas', which means longing or desire.
In Old French, the term 'convetous' reflected the idea of desire and greed.
It evolved in English through the influence of the Christian perspective on desire and moral values.

Literature

In Shakespeare's plays, characters often display covetous behavior, showcasing the greed's effects on human nature.
In the Bible, the Tenth Commandment warns against coveting a neighbor's possessions, highlighting its moral implications.
Charles Dickens portrayed covetousness through characters like Ebenezer Scrooge, illustrating how greed can lead to loneliness.

Psychology

Studies show that covetous feelings can lead to dissatisfaction and unhappiness, contrasting with gratitude.
The desire for what others have triggers social comparison, affecting self-esteem and mental health.
Cognitive biases, like the 'sunk cost fallacy', often amplify covetous feelings, leading to unwise decisions.

Cultural Perspectives

Many cultures view covetousness as a negative trait, often linked with envy and leading to social conflict.
In Eastern philosophies, such as Buddhism, covetousness is seen as a source of suffering, teaching detachment from desires.
Conversely, some modern marketing strategies exploit covetous feelings, encouraging consumers to desire the latest products.

Pop Culture

In movies, characters driven by covetous desires often face consequences, teaching moral lessons about greed.
Popular songs frequently explore themes of desire and longing, tapping into the covetous feelings in relationships and possessions.
Reality TV often highlights the overt covetous behaviors of participants, reflecting societal obsessions with wealth and status.

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 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.

...
23498 escalator
23499 nihilism
23500 seared
23501 covetous
23502 positivity
23503 menses
23504 july
...