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

This time, its valuation had topped $1 billion, giving it Silicon Valley’s coveted “unicorn” status.

From The Wall Street Journal

The coveted metal is also used in electric vehicle batteries and data centres for artificial intelligence.

From Barron's

Entry-level investment banking positions, especially at top banks like Centerview, are coveted roles on Wall Street among recent college graduates and can act as steppingstones to long careers in financial services.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Beatles’ attempt to protect their income stream would backfire twice, costing them control of their own songs, but it also helped shape one of today’s most coveted asset classes.

From The Wall Street Journal

Its coveted eggs can be processed into caviar.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• crave
• envy
• lust after