covetousness
/ˈkʌvətəsnəs/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkʌvətəsnəs/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkə-və-təs-nəs/ (ame, mw)
covetousness — noun
1. a deep, often unhappy desire to own something that belongs to another person, su
a deep, often unhappy desire to own something that belongs to another person, such as their property, money, or success
Mei-Lin felt a sharp pang of covetousness when her friend showed off the new handmade dining table.
collocation: felt + covetousness; covetousness + when [event]
The novel traces how covetousness for a neighbour's estate destroys an otherwise decent family.
pattern: covetousness + for + [possession]
His covetousness of his colleague's promotion turned their friendly lunches into awkward, silent meals.
Fatima warned her younger brother that covetousness only breeds disappointment, not satisfaction.
Rosa gazed at her rival's new guitar, her covetousness plain to everyone in the room.
- envy
softer and more common; focuses on wanting what someone else has, not necessarily wanting to take it
- greed
broader — desire for more of anything (food, money, power), not specifically what belongs to others
- avarice
narrower — strictly desire for wealth or money, with an implied stinginess
- cupidity
very formal and literary; a strong desire for money or possessions, similar to avarice
- contentment
being satisfied with what one already has
- generosity
willingness to give rather than to take from others
文法句型
covetousness + of + [something/someone's possession]
covetousness + for + [something]
用法筆記
Frequently occurs in literary, ethical, or religious contexts. Unlike the milder envy, covetousness carries a stronger moral judgment — it implies a desire not just to admire what another has, but to possess it oneself. The word is rarely used in everyday conversation.