covet
C1Formal; Literary; Religious (Ten Commandments).
Definition
Meaning
To desire wrongfully or excessively something that belongs to someone else.
To feel an intense, often envious, longing for something (a possession, quality, or status) that is not rightfully one's own.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb implies not just a strong wish, but an ethically or morally questionable desire for something that another person possesses. It is often linked to the concepts of envy, jealousy, and greed. Can be used for both tangible objects (e.g., a car) and intangible qualities (e.g., fame).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic or usage differences. The spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Strong moral/ethical connotation in both varieties due to its Biblical association ('Thou shalt not covet').
Frequency
Equally low-to-medium frequency in both varieties, more common in formal/written contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
covet somethingcovet something for oneselfcovet something (that belongs) to someoneVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Green with envy (related concept)”
- “The grass is always greener on the other side (related concept)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, but possible in discussions of corporate espionage or unethical ambition, e.g., 'The rival CEO was known to covet our market share.'
Academic
Used in literature, philosophy, and religious studies to discuss themes of desire, envy, and morality.
Everyday
Low frequency. Used for emphasis about strong, often inappropriate, desire. 'I don't just like her new bag, I absolutely covet it.'
Technical
Not used in technical fields.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He couldn't help but covet his brother's inheritance.
- It is considered poor form to openly covet a colleague's promotion.
American English
- She secretly coveted her neighbor's new sports car.
- Many young actors covet that kind of fame and recognition.
adverb
British English
- 'Covetously' is the standard adverb form, not 'covet'. She looked at the jewels covetously.
American English
- 'Covetously' is the standard adverb form, not 'covet'. He covetously eyed the corner office.
adjective
British English
- 'Covetous' is the standard adjective form, not 'covet'. A covetous glance.
American English
- 'Covetous' is the standard adjective form, not 'covet'. He was found guilty of covetous desires.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Children often covet their friend's new toys.
- The commandment says you should not covet your neighbour's house.
- He was a man who coveted power above all else.
- She tried not to covet the easy success of her peers.
- The dictator's covetous gaze fell upon the mineral-rich neighbouring region.
- Literary heroes are often flawed by their tendency to covet what destiny has denied them.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of COVET as CO-VET. Imagine a COlleague who is also a VETerinarian. You see their successful clinic and deeply desire to have it for yourself.
Conceptual Metaphor
DESIRE IS HUNGER (to covet is to crave). POSSESSION IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT (to covet is to want to take/possess an object held by another).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'любить' (to love). Covet is not about affection.
- Closer to 'жаждать', 'страстно желать', but with the specific nuance of desiring something belonging to another, akin to 'завидует' (envies) + 'желает' (desires).
- The direct Russian equivalent 'вожделеть' is high-register and has strong sensual connotations, which 'covet' does not necessarily have.
Common Mistakes
- Using it for a simple, harmless desire ('I covet a cup of tea' - incorrect).
- Confusing it with 'admire' (you can admire without coveting).
- Incorrect preposition: 'covet for something' is non-standard; use 'covet something'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'covet' MOST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not a high-frequency, everyday word. It is used in more formal, literary, or specific contexts, most famously in reference to the Tenth Commandment ('Thou shalt not covet').
'Covet' implies an intense, often morally questionable desire for something that belongs to someone else. 'Want' is a general, neutral term for any kind of desire.
Rarely. Its inherent meaning involves envy and wrongful desire. However, in very specific contexts (e.g., 'a coveted award'), it can mean 'greatly desired' but still implies others are envious or competing for it.
The noun is 'covetousness'. The adjective is 'covetous' (e.g., a covetous person). The adverb is 'covetously'.