Definition
To strongly desire or crave something that belongs to someone else.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
verb
Synonyms
crave, desire, long for, yearn for, hanker after, aspire to, envy.
Antonyms
Dislike, despise, forfeit, give, hate, relinquish.
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | None |
| Verb | coveted, covets, covet, coveting |
| Adjective | None |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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He couldn’t help but covet his neighbor’s new sports car.
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Whenever she shops, she can’t help but covet designer clothes and accessories.
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I don’t covet anyone else’s belongings because I’m content with what I have.
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It’s not right to covet something that doesn’t belong to you.
Usage
The word ‘covet’ is often used to describe a strong desire or strong longing for something that belongs to someone else. In general, it is not considered a positive trait to covet what others have as it often denotes envy, greed, and dissatisfaction.
The term can be traced back to the Old French word ‘coveitier’ which translates to “crave, desire.” The root word ‘coveit’ derived from the Latin word ‘cupere’ which means “to long for, to desire.”
The word “covetousness” is a related noun form that denotes the state of being covetous or having a desire to possess something that is not rightfully yours. This term is often used to describe people who constantly seek out material possessions and other things that they do not need, in order to satisfy their inner cravings or desires.
As for its usage, the word covet can be used in a variety of ways. For example, you might covet a new piece of technology, covet a luxury vehicle, or even covet someone else’s romantic partner. Similarly, the word can be modified using different types of prefixes, such as “un-” (uncoveted) or “over-” (over-coveted).
It is worth noting that in many cases, coveting can be seen as immoral or unethical behavior. Some religious traditions warn against coveting because it can lead to jealousy, greed, and even theft. Additionally, coveting can put a strain on relationships, particularly when it involves a desire to possess what others have or a lack of appreciation for what one already has.