comvertous
Having or showing a strong desire to possess something, typically something that belongs to someone else. It describes a state of greedy longing or envious acquisition often regarded as morally questionable.
Examples
3 of 5She cast a covetous glance at her sister's new diamond engagement ring.
She cast a covetous glance at her sister's new diamond engagement ring.
The legislative body expressed concern over the covetous expansionism of the neighboring state.
The legislative body expressed concern over the covetous expansionism of the neighboring state.
Stop being so covetous of my fries and just order your own portion!
Stop being so covetous of my fries and just order your own portion!
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'cover.' A covetous person wants to 'cover' themselves with the things that belong to others.
Quick Quiz
The king was famously ______, always looking for ways to seize the fertile lands of the neighboring kingdoms.
Correct!
The correct answer is: covetous
Examples
She cast a covetous glance at her sister's new diamond engagement ring.
everydayShe cast a covetous glance at her sister's new diamond engagement ring.
The legislative body expressed concern over the covetous expansionism of the neighboring state.
formalThe legislative body expressed concern over the covetous expansionism of the neighboring state.
Stop being so covetous of my fries and just order your own portion!
informalStop being so covetous of my fries and just order your own portion!
The text explores the psychological roots of covetous behavior in late-capitalist societies.
academicThe text explores the psychological roots of covetous behavior in late-capitalist societies.
The firm’s covetous interest in the competitor's patents led to a hostile takeover attempt.
businessThe firm’s covetous interest in the competitor's patents led to a hostile takeover attempt.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
covetous heart
a person who is internally driven by greed
with covetous intent
acting with the goal of taking something for oneself
thou shalt not covet
a biblical commandment against desiring others' property
Often Confused With
Envious emphasizes the feeling of resentment toward another's advantage, whereas covetous emphasizes the specific desire to obtain the object for oneself.
Jealousy is usually the fear of losing something you already have, while covetousness is the desire for something you do not have.
Usage Notes
Covetous is a high-level, literary word often used in moral or philosophical discussions. It is more intense than 'wanting' and usually implies a sense of wrongdoing or social taboo.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'covetous for' when 'covetous of' is the standard prepositional pairing. Additionally, it should not be used as a synonym for simple admiration.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'cover.' A covetous person wants to 'cover' themselves with the things that belong to others.
Word Origin
From the Old French 'covoitos,' derived from the Latin 'cupiditas,' meaning intense desire or passion.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
The word has significant roots in Judeo-Christian ethics, specifically the Tenth Commandment, which warns against 'coveting' a neighbor's house, wife, or servants.
Quick Quiz
The king was famously ______, always looking for ways to seize the fertile lands of the neighboring kingdoms.
Correct!
The correct answer is: covetous
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
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