Meaning & Definition of word "Avarice"

Avarice

/ˈæv.ər.ɪs/

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.

Middle English, from Old French 'avarice', from Latin 'avaritia', from 'avarus' meaning greedy.

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

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

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.