Dictionary
covetous
adjective cov·et·ous \ˈkə-və-təs\
: feeling or showing a very strong desire for something that you do not have and especially for something that belongs to someone else
Full Definition of COVETOUS
1
: marked by inordinate desire for wealth or possessions or for another's possessions
2
: having a craving for possession <covetous of power>
— cov·et·ous·ly adverb
— cov·et·ous·ness noun
See covetous defined for English-language learners
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First Known Use of COVETOUS
13th century
Related to COVETOUS
- Synonyms
- acquisitive, avaricious, avid, coveting, greedy, grabby, grasping, mercenary, moneygrubbing, rapacious
- Antonyms
- unenvious
Synonym Discussion of COVETOUS
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>.
COVETOUSNESS Defined for Kids
covetous
adjective cov·et·ous \ˈkə-vət-əs\
Definition of COVETOUS for Kids
: having or showing too much desire for wealth or possessions or for something belonging to another person
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