Greediness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ค
greediness
[หษกriหdษชnษs ]
Definitions
negative trait
The excessive desire for more than is needed or deserved, especially with regard to money, wealth, or possessions. Greediness is often associated with selfishness and a lack of empathy for others.
Synonyms
avarice, covetousness, rapacity.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| greediness |
Used generally to describe someone who wants more than they need, especially in terms of food or money.
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| avarice |
Refers specifically to an insatiable desire for wealth or gains, often in a formal or literary context.
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| covetousness |
Implies a strong desire to possess something that belongs to someone else, often with a moral judgment involved.
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| rapacity |
Conveys aggressive greed, especially when someone takes things by force or without concern for others, often used in historical or formal contexts.
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Examples of usage
- His greediness led him to exploit his employees for higher profits.
- The greediness of the corporation resulted in environmental destruction for the sake of financial gain.
appetite
An intense or excessive desire for food or drink. Greediness in this context refers to the eagerness to consume and indulge in large quantities.
Synonyms
gluttony, overeating, voraciousness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| greediness |
Use 'greediness' to describe an excessive desire for wealth or possessions, often viewed negatively.
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| voraciousness |
'Voraciousness' describes an intense eagerness or enthusiasm for consuming something, not limited to food. It can be used both positively and negatively depending on context.
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| gluttony |
Use 'gluttony' to describe excessive eating or drinking, often viewed as a moral failing.
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| overeating |
'Overeating' refers to eating more food than the body needs, typically in a casual context, without moral judgment.
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Examples of usage
- Her greediness for chocolate often led her to overeat.
- The child's greediness for candy resulted in a stomach ache.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Studies show that greediness can lead to unhappiness, as people chase after more instead of appreciating what they have.
- Some researchers suggest that greediness is linked to insecurity and fear of scarcity.
- Greedy behavior can trigger competitive instincts, often leading to conflicts in social situations.
Pop Culture
- Greediness is often portrayed negatively in stories, like the character Scrooge from 'A Christmas Carol', who learns to value generosity over wealth.
- In movies, characters driven by greed frequently meet tragic ends, serving as cautionary tales.
- Various video games reward players for collecting items, subtly encouraging greediness as a gameplay mechanic.
Economics
- Greediness can impact market behavior, often leading to risky investments and financial downturns.
- The concept of 'greed' is fundamental in capitalism, influencing both individual and collective economic decisions.
- Economic theories explore how greediness drives competition, which can lead to innovation but also to ethical dilemmas.
Literature
- Classic literature often features characters whose greediness leads to their downfall, like Midas in Greek mythology, who turned everything he touched into gold.
- Fables and parables often illustrate greediness as a vice, teaching moral lessons about moderation and sharing.
- In Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar', charactersโ greediness for power is central to the plot, highlighting its destructive nature.
Origin of 'greediness'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'greed' comes from the Old English term 'grวฃdig', which means 'to crave' or 'to desire'.
- It shares roots with the German word 'gierig', meaning 'greedy' or 'ravenous'.
- The suffix '-ness' was added to describe the quality of being greedy.
The word 'greediness' originates from the Middle English 'gredines', which is derived from the Old English 'grวฃdig', meaning 'eager'. Over time, the negative connotation of excessive desire became associated with the term, leading to its current usage to describe an insatiable appetite for more than what is necessary.