What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
covetousness
Example
His covetousness for his neighbor's car led him to steal it. [covetousness: noun]
Example
She couldn't help but feel covetousness towards her friend's new designer bag. [covetousness: noun]
greed
Example
The CEO's greed for money led him to embezzle funds from the company. [greed: noun]
Example
Her greed for power and control caused her to manipulate those around her. [greed: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Greed is more commonly used than covetousness in everyday language. Greed is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts and is used in both formal and informal settings. On the other hand, covetousness is a less common word that is often found in literature or formal writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between covetousness and greed?
Covetousness is generally considered more formal or literary in style, while greed is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.