covetousness Definition
- 1an excessive desire to possess something, especially wealth or material goods
- 2an envious eagerness to possess something
Using covetousness: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "covetousness" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
His covetousness led him to steal from his own family.
Example
The company's covetousness for profit led to unethical business practices.
Example
Her covetousness for designer clothes left her in debt.
covetousness Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for covetousness
Antonyms for covetousness
Phrases with covetousness
an excessive desire for material possessions that one sees
Example
The rise of consumerism has led to a covetousness of the eye among people.
an excessive desire for things that one does not have
Example
His covetousness of the heart made him unhappy despite his wealth.
an excessive desire for power or control over others
Example
The dictator's covetousness of power led to the oppression of his people.
Origins of covetousness
from Old English 'cufu', meaning 'desire' and '-ness', a suffix forming nouns denoting quality or state
Summary: covetousness in Brief
'Covetousness' [kuh-vi-tuh s-nis] is an excessive desire to possess something, particularly wealth or material goods. It can also refer to an envious eagerness to possess something. Examples of covetousness include stealing from family members, engaging in unethical business practices, and going into debt for designer clothes. Phrases like 'covetousness of the eye' and 'covetousness of power' describe specific types of covetousness.
