Covetous: meaning, definitions and examples

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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.