concupiscence: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very RareFormal, Literary, Theological / Academic
Quick answer
What does “concupiscence” mean?
Strong, uncontrollable sexual desire.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Strong, uncontrollable sexual desire; lust.
In religious and philosophical contexts, often denotes ardent, passionate longing or desire in general, especially for things forbidden. In theology, it's a formal term for human inclination toward sin, particularly disordered desire.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in definition. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British academic/theological writing due to historical establishment of the Church.
Connotations
Identical strong connotations of sinfulness and uncontrolled appetite in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in everyday language in both regions. Slightly higher occurrence in specific theological or literary academic texts.
Grammar
How to Use “concupiscence” in a Sentence
concupiscence for [something/someone]concupiscence of [something]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “concupiscence” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [The related verb is 'concupisc', which is obsolete. The concept is expressed via phrases like 'to feel concupiscence' or 'to be driven by concupiscence']
American English
- [See British note. One might use 'lust' as the corresponding verb.]
adverb
British English
- [Extremely rare. 'Concupiscently' can be formed but is highly unusual.]
American English
- [See British note.]
adjective
British English
- The concupiscent thoughts he described were troubling to the clergy.
- She wrote of the concupiscent gaze of the protagonist.
American English
- His concupiscent desires led him astray.
- The film was criticized for its concupiscent themes.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in theological, philosophical, literary criticism, and historical studies discussing morality, sin, or human nature.
Everyday
Extremely rare and would sound pretentious or archaic.
Technical
A formal theological term for the tendency to sin, particularly through desire.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “concupiscence”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “concupiscence”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “concupiscence”
- Misspelling: concupiscance, concupisence.
- Mispronunciation: putting stress on the first syllable (CON-cupiscence).
- Using it in casual contexts where 'lust' or 'desire' is appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In modern secular usage, it is largely synonymous with intense lust. However, in theology and philosophy, it has a broader, more technical meaning, encompassing the innate human inclination toward sinful desires of all kinds, not just sexual.
Almost never. The term is fundamentally pejorative and carries strong moral condemnation, implying a lack of control and a deviation from virtue or rational order.
The adjective is 'concupiscent' (e.g., concupiscent desires). It is also a formal and literary word.
No. It is an extremely formal, specialized term. Using it in everyday conversation would sound archaic, pretentious, or overly dramatic. Use simpler synonyms like 'lust', 'desire', or 'craving' instead.
Strong, uncontrollable sexual desire.
Concupiscence is usually formal, literary, theological / academic in register.
Concupiscence: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈkjuː.pɪ.səns/, and in American English it is pronounced /kɑːnˈkjuː.pə.səns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none directly associated]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CONCUBINE + SCENT' -> A concubine was a mistress, and a scent can arouse strong desire. 'Concupiscence' is a strong, often illicit, desire.
Conceptual Metaphor
DESIRE IS A BEAST / FIRE / DISEASE (e.g., 'the beast of concupiscence', 'the fires of concupiscence', 'afflicted with concupiscence').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'concupiscence' MOST appropriately used?