covet

/ˈkʌvət/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkʌvət/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkə-vət/ (ame, mw)

covet — verb

  • covetpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • covetshe / she / it
  • covetedpast simple
  • coveting-ing form

1. to feel a strong, sometimes unhealthy wish to own something, usually a thing tha

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to feel a strong, sometimes unhealthy wish to own something, usually a thing that already belongs to another person.

例句

Sofia had long coveted her neighbour's vintage red bicycle.

covet + concrete possession of another person

Many young chefs covet a job at Christopher's seafood restaurant in Lisbon.

covet + prestigious position

同義詞
  • envy

    envy focuses on resentment toward the owner; covet focuses on the desire for the thing itself

  • crave

    crave is broader and less moralistic; can be used for food, attention, etc.

  • desire

    desire is neutral and very general; covet implies the want is improper or excessive

  • yearn for

    yearn suggests emotional longing, often for people or experiences; covet is usually for possessions

反義詞
  • renounce

    renounce means to formally give up a claim or desire

  • shun

    shun means to deliberately avoid

文法句型

covet + noun

用法筆記

Often carries a slightly negative or moral tone — the speaker suggests the wanting is excessive or improper, especially when the object belongs to someone else. Frequently used in passive form to praise a desirable prize, role, or item ('a coveted award').

常見錯誤

❌I covet to have a new car.
✅I covet a new car.
💡covet takes a direct noun object, never a to-infinitive.
❌She is coveting her sister yesterday.
✅She coveted her sister's necklace yesterday.
💡covet is rarely used in the progressive; use the simple past or present.