Covet

/ˈkʌv.ɪt/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To desire something that belongs to another, typically in an inappropriate or greedy way.

He covets his neighbor's new car, wishing it was his.

To wish for with a strong desire; to long for.

She covets a life filled with travel and adventure.

To have an inordinate or wrongful desire for something.

Many people covet wealth and fame without realizing the responsibilities that come with them.

To desire eagerly; to wish for earnestly.

They covet a championship title after years of hard work.

Middle English, from Old French 'coveitier', from Latin 'cupiditas' meaning desire.

covetous look

A look of intense desire or envy.

coveting thy neighbor

Desiring what belongs to someone else, often used in a moral context.

covetous

Having or showing a great desire to possess something, typically something belonging to someone else.

coveting

The act of desire or longing for something.

To want something really badly.

I totally covet those new sneakers.

To be jealous of someone else's possessions.

She is coveting her friend's designer handbag.