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

Government jobs are highly coveted in India because of the security and perks they offer.

From BBC

True freshman RJ Sermons was one of the more coveted cornerback prospects in America, when he reclassified in the spring to enroll at USC a year early.

From Los Angeles Times

That covers the parts of the civilized world Putin covets — including Alaska.

From Salon

The Le Creuset mystery boxes are the most coveted item at the Factory to Table Sale.

From Salon

The role took Crookes, who plays an older sister to the lead character, all the way to the Venice Film Festival, where the movie won the coveted audience award.

From BBC

Related Words

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