Definition
Cupidity means excessive greed or a strong desire for wealth or possessions.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Noun
Synonyms
greed, avarice, rapacity, covetousness, acquisitiveness, materialism, selfishness, craving, hunger, thirst, longing, desire.
Antonyms
generosity, selflessness, contentment, satisfaction, altruism, benevolence, magnanimity.
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | cupidity, cupidities |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | None |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
-
The businessman’s cupidity drove him to acquire more and more companies, regardless of the consequences for their employees.
-
The politician’s cupidity was revealed when he accepted bribes in exchange for government contracts.
-
The artist rejected the offer for a larger sum of money, proving that his work was not driven by cupidity, but rather by passion.
-
The historical stories of the gold rush served as a sad reminder of the effects of extreme cupidity on people’s lives.
Usage
Cupidity is a noun that refers to an excessive or insatiable desire for wealth or possessions. It is often used to describe people who are driven to accumulate material goods, money or power for their own benefit, regardless of the cost to others. The word cupidity has its roots in Latin, deriving from the word “cupiditas,” which means ’eagerness’ or ‘desire’. It is important to note that cupidity has a negative connotation, and it is usually used to indicate a behavior that is undesirable, selfish or unscrupulous.
Cupidity often appears with other words to add more meaning to a sentence. For example, ‘avaricious cupidity’ or ‘insatiable cupidity’ would indicate the extreme degree of a person’s desire. Similarly, ’economic cupidity’ or ‘political cupidity’ refers to the greed or desire for wealth that is often exhibited by those in the business or political world. The word greed is often used as a synonym of cupidity, however, the former is a broader term also encompassing a wider range of human behavior.
Cupidity is often studied in the fields of economics and psychology because of its pervasive effect on human behavior. Economic theories suggest that the desire for wealth or possessions is a fundamental motivation, and that people will take any steps necessary to satisfy this desire. Psychological studies also support such theories, as the irresistible attraction towards material goods is a common trait among individuals.
In conclusion, cupidity is a word that is a useful tool to describe a person’s extreme desire for wealth, possessions or power. Its negative connotation helps to highlight the negative effects of greed on human behavior. It has a Latin root, which also serves as a reminder that human beings have been driven by desires and passions for centuries. Finally, cupidity is a subject that has been studied extensively in economics and psychology due to its impact on human behavior.