Dictionary
avaricious
adjective av·a·ri·cious \ˌa-və-ˈri-shəs\
Definition of AVARICIOUS
: greedy of gain : excessively acquisitive especially in seeking to hoard riches
— av·a·ri·cious·ly adverb
— av·a·ri·cious·ness noun
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First Known Use of AVARICIOUS
15th century
Related to AVARICIOUS
- Synonyms
- acquisitive, greedy, avid, coveting, covetous, grabby, grasping, mercenary, moneygrubbing, rapacious
Synonym Discussion of AVARICIOUS
covetous, greedy, acquisitive, grasping, avaricious mean having or showing a strong desire for especially material possessions. covetous implies inordinate desire often for another's possessions <covetous of his brother's country estate>. greedy stresses lack of restraint and often of discrimination in desire <greedy for status symbols>. acquisitive implies both eagerness to possess and ability to acquire and keep <an eagerly acquisitive mind>. grasping adds to covetous and greedy an implication of selfishness and often suggests unfair or ruthless means <a hard grasping trader who cheated the natives>. avaricious implies obsessive acquisitiveness especially of money and strongly suggests stinginess <an avaricious miser>.
Rhymes with AVARICIOUS
AVARICIOUSNESS Defined for Kids
avaricious
adjective av·a·ri·cious \ˌa-və-ˈri-shəs\
Definition of AVARICIOUS for Kids
: greedy for riches
— av·a·ri·cious·ly adverb
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