Covetousness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฐ
covetousness
[หkสvษชtษsnษs ]
Definitions
feeling of desire
Covetousness is a strong desire to possess something, especially something that belongs to someone else.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| covetousness |
Used when describing a strong desire, often for someone else's possessions or qualities, typically with a negative connotation.
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| greed |
Refers to an excessive and selfish desire for more of something than is needed, often money or power, with a negative connotation.
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| envy |
Generally used to describe the feeling of wanting something that someone else has, and can have both positive and negative connotations depending on the context.
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| jealousy |
Used to describe the feeling of being upset and angry because someone has something that you want or because someone seems to be getting more attention, often in relationships.
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Examples of usage
- He was consumed by covetousness for his neighbor's new car.
- Her covetousness for power led her to make unethical decisions.
desire for wealth or possessions
Covetousness can also refer to an excessive desire for wealth or possessions.
Synonyms
acquisitiveness, avarice, greed.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| covetousness |
Covetousness is often used to describe a strong desire for someone else's possessions, which can come across as envious and negative.
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| avarice |
Avarice is a more formal term often used in literature to describe an extreme greed for wealth or material gain, and it generally has a negative connotation.
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| acquisitiveness |
Acquisitiveness refers to a keen interest in acquiring and collecting things or wealth, not necessarily with a negative connotation.
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| greed |
Greed is commonly used to describe an intense and selfish desire for more of something than is needed, particularly wealth or food, and it has a straightforward negative meaning.
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Examples of usage
- His covetousness knew no bounds as he amassed more and more material goods.
- Their covetousness led them to prioritize money over relationships.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In classic literature, characters driven by desire often lead to their downfall, as seen in Shakespeareโs 'Macbeth'.
- John Milton's 'Paradise Lost' illustrates the consequences of unchecked desire as Adam and Eve covet forbidden knowledge.
- Charles Dickens portrays the effects of desire and materialism through characters like Ebenezer Scrooge in 'A Christmas Carol'.
Philosophy
- Philosophers often explore the idea of desire, questioning whether it leads to happiness or suffering.
- In Buddhism, covetousness is seen as one of the causes of suffering, urging individuals to let go of excessive desires.
- Aristotle suggested that the highest good involves a balance between reasonable desire and moderation.
Religion
- In many religious texts, covetousness is viewed negatively, often linked to the sin of greed.
- The Ten Commandments in the Bible specifically warn against coveting your neighbor's possessions.
- Various traditions emphasize that covetousness can lead to harmful actions, urging followers to cultivate contentment instead.
Psychology
- Psychologists study how feelings of envy and desire can impact mental health and interpersonal relationships.
- Covetousness can stimulate competition and drive success but may also lead to dissatisfaction and anxiety.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy often addresses maladaptive desires, teaching strategies for contentment and goal realization.
Origin of 'covetousness'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'cupiditas', meaning desire, which also gives rise to the word 'cupidity'.
- In Old French, 'coveitier' meant to desire or want, which eventually led to the English form.
- The term has evolved over centuries, often associated with greed and moral implications.
The word 'covetousness' originated from the Middle English word 'coveitous', which in turn came from the Old French word 'covoitos'. The root of the word can be traced back to the Latin word 'cupiditas', meaning 'desire'. Over time, 'covetousness' has evolved to encompass both the desire for possessions and the longing for what others have.