greedy etymology

Etymology:

The word "greedy" derives from the Old English word "grædig," which means "eager" or "ravenous." It is thought to be related to the Proto-Germanic root "*gra-" ("to grasp"), which is also found in the words "grip" and "grab."

Meaning:

Greedy means excessively or avariciously desiring or seeking something, especially food, wealth, or power. It implies a lack of moderation and a selfish desire to acquire more than one needs.

Origin:

The concept of greed has been present in human cultures since the dawn of civilization. In ancient Greece, Plato and Aristotle condemned acquisitiveness as a vice. In the Christian tradition, greed is considered one of the Seven Deadly Sins.

In the 16th century, the English language absorbed the term "greedy" from Old English. Over time, its meaning evolved to encompass not only physical hunger but also an insatiable desire for wealth and power.

Usage:

The word "greedy" is often used in a negative sense to describe someone who is excessively self-interested and unwilling to share. It can also be used more playfully to describe someone who is enthusiastic about something or has a large appetite.

Examples:

  • The greedy child refused to share his candy with his siblings.
  • The greedy politician used his power to amass a fortune at the expense of the people.
  • The greedy cat scarfed down the entire bowl of kibble in one go.

greedy relate terms

  • greed

    Etymology The word greed is derived from the Middle English word grede which means

  • greedy

    Etymology The word greedy derives from the Old English word grædig which means ea

  • greedily

    Etymology Middle English gredilich gredelich from Old English gredig eager hungry

  • greedy

    Etymology The word greedy derives from the Old English word grædig which means ea

  • covetous

    Etymology From Middle English covetous from Anglo French coveitous from Latin cupidĭ

  • prehensile

    Etymology The word prehensile derives from the Latin word prehendere which means t

  • ravenous

    Etymology From Middle English ravenous from Old French ravenous from Late Latin raven

  • audacious

    Etymology Latin audāx audācis bold daring From Latin audēre to dare Related to

  • inexorable

    Etymology The word inexorable comes from the Latin word inexorabilis which means u

  • fluke

    Etymology The word fluke has several possible etymologies Scandinavian Derived fro

  • cardinal

    Etymology The word cardinal comes from the Latin word cardinalis meaning chief or