avarice

USAGE SUMMARY

'avarice' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe an excessive or insatiable desire for wealth and material gain. For example: The avarice of the landlord led him to raise the rent yet again.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Don't they know how absurd and unedifying it is to see places such as Cardowan, Cumnock and Port Ellen associated with a bastion of unearned privilege and wealth through the political avarice of a few old grandees?

The Guardian - Opinion

Fico might be no saint, but he at least offered a stable alternative to such heedless avarice.

The Guardian - Opinion

We could ascribe all of these investments to some kind of misplaced avarice.

The Guardian

One danger for Brazil is that the new company will be a lucrative shell with no real function except to satisfy the avarice of politicians.

The Economist

Legitimate businessmen complain that their tax bills are entirely unpredictable, because the amount they pay depends not so much on the tax code but on the avarice of their particular inspector.

The Economist

The "simple rhythm of markets is as predictable as human avarice", he contends.

The Economist

Total advertising revenue on the Internet is currently running at around $8 billion a year, of which around $1 billion is going to "new media" sites hardly riches beyond the dreams of avarice.

The Economist

Yet thanks to the avarice of local politicians, most was siphoned off before reaching the people, who remain some of Africa's poorest and sickest.Mr Yar'Adua should get tough with the Delta governors to ensure that the money goes to its intended recipients.

The Economist

Or rather, insofar as they have been driven purely by avarice, that's been a large part of the problem.

The Economist

A series of outrageous scams (see table 1) has left voters resentful at the huge losses of revenue involved, especially as a tiny minority grew rich beyond the dreams of avarice.

The Economist

SOME men steal out of need or avarice; others kill themselves out of despair, or murder for revenge or gain.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "avarice" when you want to specifically highlight an excessive and insatiable desire for wealth, distinguishing it from more general forms of greed or desire.

Common error

Avoid using "avarice" when simply describing a wish or aspiration. "Avarice" implies an extreme, often immoral, obsession with gaining wealth, not just a normal desire for improvement.

Linguistic Context

The noun "avarice" functions primarily to describe an excessive or insatiable greed for riches or material gain. It often appears as the subject or object of a sentence, highlighting the driving force behind someone's actions. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "avarice" is a noun denoting an excessive and insatiable desire for wealth. Ludwig AI confirms that this term is grammatically correct and commonly used. It frequently appears in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, signifying a formal to neutral register. When writing, it's best to use "avarice" to pinpoint an extreme and immoral obsession with wealth, and avoid using it for simply expressing a desire. Related concepts include "greed", "cupidity", and "covetousness".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

greed

A more general term for excessive desire, not necessarily limited to wealth.

cupidity

Similar to avarice but often implies a more intense and immoral craving.

covetousness

Focuses on desiring what belongs to others.

insatiable desire for wealth

Explicitly states the unlimited nature of the desire.

rapacity

Suggests aggressive and predatory greed.

materialism

Emphasis on the importance of material possessions, which can lead to avarice.

extreme greed

Highlights a very elevated level of greediness.

graspingness

Highlights the act of greedily taking or seeking more.

mercenary spirit

Focuses on the pursuit of profit as the primary motivation.

acquisitiveness

Emphasizes the desire to acquire and accumulate possessions.

FAQs

How can I use "avarice" in a sentence?

You can use "avarice" to describe someone's excessive greed for wealth. For example, "The character's "avarice" drove him to commit terrible acts".

What words are similar to "avarice"?

Words similar to "avarice" include "greed", "cupidity", and "covetousness". Each carries a slightly different nuance but all relate to excessive desire.

What's the difference between "avarice" and "greed"?

"Avarice" specifically refers to an excessive desire for wealth, while "greed" can refer to excessive desire for anything, such as food or power.

Is "avarice" a formal word?

Yes, "avarice" is considered a more formal and somewhat literary term compared to its more common synonym, "greed". It is often used in more sophisticated writing and discussions.