covetousness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "covetousness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an intense desire for something that belongs to someone else, often implying greed or envy. Example: "His covetousness for his neighbor's wealth led to a strained relationship between them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Now, is it just me or would you, when looking to run the entire country, base your plans around the imaginary desires of entirely fictitious people from Christmas telly adverts and their covetousness towards Le Creuset casseroles?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Indeed, the judge in the Holyland case used similar language to the protesters, denouncing the defendants' "covetousness", "swinishness" and "betrayal of public trust".The courts may be doing their part, but the current prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, has yet to deliver fully on his promise to break the grip that a narrow group of "tycoons" have on the country's domestic economy.

The Economist

Not everyone will be happy with his remarks about Drake's "serious character flaws", including "a taste for violence", "extreme callousness" and "a streak of covetousness".

The Economist

In the 16th century, Pieter Bruegel the Elder, for example, combined overt and often grotesque symbols with subtle visual metaphors to point stern morals in such paintings as The Triumph of Death (alluding to the "wages of sin"), The Land of Cockaigne (attacking gluttony and sloth), and Mad Meg (ridiculing covetousness).

Encyclopedia Britannica

HP Envy x2 Price: £699 Operating system: Windows 8 Processor: Intel Atom z2760 Memory: 2GB Hard drive: 64GB Although good value, the HP Envy x2 is unlikely to inspire the feelings of covetousness it suggests.

Independent

As a result, people will pay fortunes for them, and the rapacious covetousness they induce means that orchids are not only the most beautiful large group of plants, but also the most endangered.

Independent

Pride and covetousness are the major vices; humility and almsgiving are the major virtues; and poverty is endorsed as the favoured status for the Christian life.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They were furthered by Judith Cladel, who became his chronicler and who worked to see that the negotiations were successful, and by his last secretary, Marcelle Tirel, who defended him from the covetousness of women who tried to coax away his legacy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Their strength and skills on the battlefield and their acquisition of the spoils of war also issue from hate, anger, revenge, greed, and covetousness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Of all the cars I drove, it elicited the most curiosity and covetousness among my guy friends, all of whom apparently relish getting away fast (from zero to 60 m.p.h. in 3.7 seconds).

The New Yorker

It can be dangerous to ascribe envy or covetousness to a man without being able to know his mind, but people do so to Cuomo all the time; they also surmise that it rankled him that Spitzer declined to endorse him in the attorney general's race until after the primary.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "covetousness" when you want to specifically emphasize the excessive desire for something that belongs to another, highlighting the envious aspect of the desire.

Common error

Avoid using "covetousness" interchangeably with general terms like "desire" or "ambition". "Covetousness" carries a negative connotation, implying envy and a wrongful desire for what others possess. If the desire is not inherently negative, consider using a more neutral term.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "covetousness" is as a noun. It describes a state of mind or a character trait, referring to an excessive desire for something that belongs to another. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a valid term in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "covetousness" is a noun that describes an excessive desire for something that belongs to someone else. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While it can be used interchangeably with terms like "greed" or "envy", it carries a specific nuance of longing for what others possess. It's commonly found in News & Media and Encyclopedias sources, reflecting its role in moral and ethical discussions. When using "covetousness", be mindful of its negative connotation and ensure it accurately reflects the envious aspect of the desire you are describing. As the examples from Ludwig show, the term is most often used to describe an unflattering moral shortcoming.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

greediness

Focuses more on the act of greed rather than the desire.

avarice

Implies an extreme greed for wealth or material gain.

cupidity

Highlights an intense desire, often for something unattainable.

rapacity

Emphasizes aggressive greed and plundering.

materialism

Suggests a focus on material possessions and wealth.

graspingness

Emphasizes the act of trying to obtain something greedily.

possessiveness

Highlights the desire to own or control something.

acquisitiveness

Focuses on the desire to acquire more possessions.

longing

Indicates a strong desire or yearning, though not necessarily negative.

desire for wealth

A more explicit phrase describing the craving for riches.

FAQs

How to use "covetousness" in a sentence?

"Covetousness" is typically used to describe a state of intense longing for something that belongs to someone else. For example, "His "covetousness" for his neighbor's new car was evident in his constant complaints about his own." It is typically used as a noun.

What can I say instead of "covetousness"?

You can use alternatives like "greed", "avarice", or "cupidity" depending on the context. Each word carries a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits your meaning.

Which is correct, "covetousness" or "envy"?

Both "covetousness" and "envy" relate to wanting what others have, but "covetousness" implies a stronger desire to possess something, while "envy" focuses more on the feeling of resentment toward someone who has something you lack. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "covetousness" and "materialism"?

"Covetousness" is the desire for what someone else possesses, while "materialism" is a focus on material possessions and wealth in general. You can be materialistic without being covetous of any specific item, and vice versa.