C1 adjective Literary

comvertous

/ˈkʌv.ə.təs/

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 5
1

She 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.

2

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.

3

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!

Word Family

Noun
covetousness
Verb
covet
Adverb
covetously
Adjective
covetous
Related
coveter
💡

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

1

She cast a covetous glance at her sister's new diamond engagement ring.

everyday

She cast a covetous glance at her sister's new diamond engagement ring.

2

The legislative body expressed concern over the covetous expansionism of the neighboring state.

formal

The legislative body expressed concern over the covetous expansionism of the neighboring state.

3

Stop being so covetous of my fries and just order your own portion!

informal

Stop being so covetous of my fries and just order your own portion!

4

The text explores the psychological roots of covetous behavior in late-capitalist societies.

academic

The text explores the psychological roots of covetous behavior in late-capitalist societies.

5

The firm’s covetous interest in the competitor's patents led to a hostile takeover attempt.

business

The firm’s covetous interest in the competitor's patents led to a hostile takeover attempt.

Word Family

Noun
covetousness
Verb
covet
Adverb
covetously
Adjective
covetous
Related
coveter

Common Collocations

cast covetous eyes on to look at something with a strong desire to possess it
covetous of power having a strong desire to obtain authority
covetous nature
deeply covetous extremely desirous of others' belongings
covetous glance a look that reveals envy or greed

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

comvertous vs envious

Envious emphasizes the feeling of resentment toward another's advantage, whereas covetous emphasizes the specific desire to obtain the object for oneself.

comvertous vs jealous

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

Often followed by the preposition 'of' Used attributively (a covetous man) or predicatively (he was covetous)
🌍

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 Words

antejunctancy

C1

Describes the state or quality of being positioned or occurring immediately before a junction or point of union. In specialized contexts, it characterizes the preliminary phase or structural placement prior to convergence.

substructation

C1

The process of building a foundation or the resulting underground supporting structure that holds up a building or theory. It refers to the physical or conceptual base upon which something else is constructed or developed.

intradurite

C1

A technical term in coal petrography referring to a microlithotype of coal that consists of at least 95% durite. It is primarily used by geologists to classify the microscopic structure and purity of coal samples during analysis.

monohydral

C1

To subject a chemical compound or material to a single, controlled hydration process to achieve a specific moisture balance. It is primarily used in laboratory settings to describe the act of adding exactly one molecular unit of water to a substance.

antidentile

C1

Pertaining to a prejudice, hostility, or deep-seated aversion toward dentists and the dental profession. It describes attitudes ranging from irrational fear to active social bias against those who practice oral medicine.

circumgeocide

C1

The systematic and total destruction of the environment and life forms surrounding a specific geographic region or point. It typically refers to the annihilation of a local ecosystem's peripheral areas due to human activity or warfare.

misnovence

C1

The state or act of misinterpreting a new or novel situation by applying outdated frameworks or incorrect assumptions. It describes a failure to recognize the unique properties of a fresh experience, leading to cognitive or practical errors.

adgravness

C1

Describing a situation or condition that is marked by an increasing sense of weight, seriousness, or burdensome complexity. It is often used to characterize circumstances that become progressively harder to endure due to their growing gravity.

demanable

C1

A formal or technical term referring to an asset, obligation, or right that is subject to a specific legal or official claim. It denotes something that can be rightfully required or extracted by an authority or an individual within a structured system.

intermalery

C1

Relating to the intricate internal structure or the complex layered mechanisms of a system, organization, or abstract concept. It describes elements that are essential to the inner workings but are often hidden from external view.

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