covetous
What does "covetous" mean?
Covetous describes an intense, often selfish, desire to possess something that belongs to someone else. The mental image is of someone staring longingly at an object they cannot have, with their focus entirely consumed by the perceived value of that item rather than their own needs. It is a formal or literary term that carries a negative moral weight, suggesting a lack of contentment. While "greedy" focuses on the act of taking, "covetous" focuses on the deep, internal craving for something specific. It is often used in contexts involving wealth, status, or romantic affection.
"covetous" in conversation
Discussing a coworker's promotion
Did you see how Mark looked at the new executive office?
Did you see how Mark looked at the new executive office?
He’s been quite covetous of that position for years.
He’s been quite covetous of that position for years.
Used here to describe a long-standing, intense desire for someone else's role.
Describing a collector
He won't even let anyone touch his vintage watch.
He won't even let anyone touch his vintage watch.
He has a covetous attachment to all his belongings.
He has a covetous attachment to all his belongings.
Highlights the possessive and protective nature of someone who values their possessions too highly.
"covetous" in a sentence
He cast a covetous glance at the delicious cake.
He cast a covetous glance at the delicious cake.
She felt a covetous urge to own the painting hanging in the gallery.
She felt a covetous urge to own the painting hanging in the gallery.
The kingdom fell into ruin because of the king's covetous nature and constant wars.
The kingdom fell into ruin because of the king's covetous nature and constant wars.
