covetousness: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Literary, Religious, Formal
Quick answer
What does “covetousness” mean?
An intense, greedy desire to possess something belonging to someone else.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An intense, greedy desire to possess something belonging to someone else.
The state or quality of having an inordinate, envious craving for possessions, wealth, or advantages; avarice. It implies a sin or moral failing, not just a simple wish.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Equally strong moral/religious connotation in both varieties.
Frequency
Very low-frequency, formal/archaic word in both regions. More likely encountered in religious or literary contexts than in everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “covetousness” in a Sentence
[covetousness] of [something][covetousness] for [something][verb] by/with/out of [covetousness]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “covetousness” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was accused of coveting his neighbour's new motorcar.
- Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house.
American English
- The lawsuit claimed he coveted his rival's patent.
- The commandment warns not to covet your neighbor's wife.
adverb
British English
- He looked covetously at the vacant corner office.
American English
- She eyed the jewellery covetously.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in ethical discussions: 'Policies were designed to prevent covetousness leading to insider trading.'
Academic
Used in theology, philosophy, ethics, and literature studies to discuss moral failings or character flaws.
Everyday
Extremely rare. 'Greed' or 'jealousy' are used instead.
Technical
Not used in technical fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “covetousness”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “covetousness”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “covetousness”
- Using it to mean general ambition. *'His covetousness for success was admirable.' (INCORRECT)
- Confusing it with admiration. *'I looked at her painting with covetousness.' (Likely too strong; 'admiration' is better.)
- Misspelling: 'covetusness', 'coverousness'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. Greed is a general, excessive desire for more (food, money). Covetousness specifically targets something that already belongs to someone else, making it a more focused and morally charged form of greed.
Almost never. It is a strongly pejorative term with negative moral or religious connotations. Using it positively would be highly ironic or sarcastic.
It is a noun (an abstract, uncountable noun). The related adjective is 'covetous', and the verb is 'to covet'.
No, it is quite rare in everyday speech. It is primarily found in religious texts, formal writing, literature, and discussions of ethics. In casual conversation, people use words like 'jealousy', 'greed', or 'wanting what someone else has'.
An intense, greedy desire to possess something belonging to someone else.
Covetousness is usually literary, religious, formal in register.
Covetousness: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkʌv.ɪ.təs.nəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkʌv.ə.t̬əs.nəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The green-eyed monster (related to envy, not identical)”
- “To cast covetous eyes on something”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: COVETousNESS = the state of COVETing someone else's things excessively.
Conceptual Metaphor
COVETOUSNESS IS A HUNGER/A THIRST (insatiable appetite), COVETOUSNESS IS A DISEASE (corrupting the soul).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'covetousness' MOST appropriately used?