covet

[kuhv-it]

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.

verb (used without object)

1. to have an inordinate or wrongful desire.

covet

/ ˈkʌvɪt /

verb

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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of covet¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of covet¹

C13: from Old French coveitier, from coveitié eager desire, ultimately from Latin cupiditā _cupidity

Synonym Study

See envy.

Example Sentences

To help pay for my schooling, I began to work in President Davis’s office, my willingness to learn typing over the previous summer paying off with a coveted office job.

Read more on Literature

One coveted offering is a suite above the Christian Dior flagship store in Paris that can be rented, and includes an after-hours shopping excursion and a private dinner at Monsieur Dior restaurant.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

A librarian admitted she became "a bit emotional" after winning a coveted award for her profession.

Read more on BBC

And taking home the coveted prize of creator of the year was Max Klymenko, who is best known for his career ladder series, which he says is the most popular non-animated show in the world.

Read more on BBC

Despite American rules intended to stop China from accessing the tech industry’s most coveted hardware, there is no evidence to suggest the deals violated U.S. law.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• crave 
• envy 
• lust after www.thesaurus.com