covet

American  

[kuhv-it] / ˈkʌv ɪt /

verb (used with object)

1. to desire wrongfully, inordinately, or without due regard for the rights of others.

   to covet another's property.

   Antonyms:

   renounce

2. to wish for, especially eagerly.

   He won the prize they all coveted.

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verb (used without object)

1. to have an inordinate or wrongful desire.

covet British  

/ ˈkʌvɪt /

verb

1. to wish, long, or crave for (something, esp the property of another person)

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Related Words

See envy.

Other Word Forms

• covetable adjective
• coveter noun
• covetingly adverb
• uncoveting adjective

Etymology

Origin of covet

First recorded in 1325–1350; Middle English coveiten, from Anglo-French coveiter, Old French coveit(i)er, from unattested Vulgar Latin cupiditāre, verbal derivative of Latin cupiditās cupidity

Example Sentences

Pacifica has played 32 games in the last two seasons and won two section and two regional crowns, just not the ultimate prize it covets.

From Los Angeles Times

Until Wednesday, the 39-year-old Moore held one of the most coveted positions in the sport.

From The Wall Street Journal

The most highly coveted point guard in the transfer portal, Dent arrived on campus with the pedigree of an All-American honorable mention who was expected to immediately elevate his new team.

From Los Angeles Times

The Turner Prize has been the UK's most coveted and controversial art award since it was founded in 1984.

From BBC

The first edition is coveted due to a printing error in a passage about Ruth, which reads "and he went into the city" rather than "and she went into the city".

From BBC

Related Words

• crave
• envy
• lust after