Meaning & Definition of word "Avarice"
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Avarice
/ˈæv.ər.ɪs/
noun:
- 1. An insatiable desire for wealth or gain; greed.
- Example: His avarice led him to betray his friends for financial gain.
- 2. Extreme greed for material wealth.
- Example: The old man's avarice was evident in the way he hoarded money and valuables.
- 3. A desire to acquire and possess more than one needs or deserves.
- Example: Her avarice was so great that she would never be satisfied, no matter how much she acquired.
- 4. A strong desire to accumulate wealth, especially at the expense of ethical considerations.
- Example: The company's avarice caused them to overlook employee welfare in pursuit of higher profits.
Etymology
Middle English, from Old French 'avarice', from Latin 'avaritia', from 'avarus' meaning greedy.
Common Phrases and Expressions
greedy as Croesus:
extremely wealthy or rich
money makes the world go round:
wealth or money is a primary driving force in society
penny wise and pound foolish:
careful about small amounts of money but wasteful with large amounts
Related Words
avaricious:
having or showing an extreme greed for wealth or material gain
covetous:
having or showing a great desire to possess something, typically something belonging to someone else
greedy:
having an excessive desire for more of something, typically wealth or food
Slang Meanings of avarice
Meaning: money-hungry
Example Sentence: He's so money-hungry that he won't help his friends out at all.
Meaning: nickel-and-dime
Example Sentence: Don't nickel-and-dime me; I know you're just being avaricious about your profits.