covet etymology

Etymology and Meaning:

The word "covet" comes from the Old French word "coitier," meaning "to desire, to crave." This, in turn, is believed to be derived from the Latin word "cupere," which means "to long for, to wish."

Origin:

The concept of covetousness has been present in human societies since ancient times. The ancient Greek philosophers, such as Plato and Aristotle, recognized and discussed it as a negative human trait. In the Bible, the Ten Commandments include the injunction "Thou shalt not covet" (Exodus 20:17).

Meaning:

"Covet" means to have an intense desire or longing for something that belongs to someone else. It implies a sense of entitlement and envy, and is often associated with greed and materialism. Covetousness can lead to dissatisfaction and conflict, as it can drive people to acquire things they do not truly need or deserve.

Usage:

The word "covet" is often used in a moral or religious context, to describe an immoral or sinful desire. It can also be used in a more general sense, to refer to any strong desire or longing. For example, one can say, "She coveted her neighbor's beautiful car."

covet relate terms

  • coveted

    Etymology Old French covet meaning to desire strongly or eagerly Late Latin coppě

  • covet

    Etymology and Meaning The word covet comes from the Old French word coitier meaning

  • cupidity

    Etymology From Latin cupiditas eager desire lust from cupidus eager for longin

  • embrace

    Etymology Embrace Old French embracier from Late Latin imbracchiare from Latin im in

  • envy

    Etymology The word envy comes from the Old French word envier which means to

  • thing

    Etymology Origin Old English þing Meaning assembly council court of law Meanin

  • election

    Etymology The word election comes from the Latin word electio which derives from th

  • jealous

    Etymology and Meaning The word jealous comes from the Latin word zelosus which mean

  • denizen

    Etymology Late Middle English in the sense dweller in a city or town from Old

  • turpitude

    Etymology The word turpitude comes from the Latin word turpitudo meaning ugliness

  • hunky dory

    Etymology Hunky Possibly from Hungarian hunk meaning brawn or muscle Dory Mea

  • delta

    Etymology Greek δέλτα delta Meaning The fourth letter of the Greek alphabe