cupidity

[ kyoo-pid-i-tee ]

noun

1. eager or excessive desire, especially to possess something; greed; avarice.

   Synonyms: hunger, avidity, covetousness

cupidity

/ kjuːˈpɪdɪtɪ /

noun

1. strong desire, esp for possessions or money; greed

Other Words From

• cu·pid·i·nous [kyoo-, pid, -n-, uh, s], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cupidity¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English cupidite, (from Middle French or directly from Latin cupiditās, equivalent to cupid(us) “eager, desirous” ( cup(ere) “to desire” + -idus -id ⁴ ) + -itās -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of cupidity¹

C15: from Latin cupiditās, from cupidus eagerly desiring, from cupere to long for

Example Sentences

The cupidity of a man had evidently led him to collect together these odds and ends, and try to turn them to profitable account.

From Project Gutenberg

He rushed with ravenous eagerness at every bait which was offered to his cupidity.

From Project Gutenberg

This colorless face expressed patience, commercial shrewdness, and the sort of wily cupidity which is needful in business.

From Project Gutenberg

These two, by an instinct quick as lightning, saw the means of gratifying at one blow their cupidity and hate.

From Project Gutenberg

Don Jose has worked on the fears or the cupidity of this drunken ingrate.

From Project Gutenberg