covet

[kuhv-it]

verb (used with object)

to desire wrongfully, inordinately, or without due regard for the rights of others: to covet another's property.

to wish for, especially eagerly: He won the prize they all coveted.

verb (used without object)

to have an inordinate or wrongful desire.

Origin of covet

1175–1225; Middle English coveiten < Anglo-French coveiter, Old French coveit(i)er < Vulgar Latin *cupidiētāre, verbal derivative of *cupidiētās, for Latin cupititās cupidity

Related formscov·et·a·ble, adjectivecov·et·er, nouncov·et·ing·ly, adverbun·cov·et·ed, adjectiveun·cov·et·ing, adjective

Synonyms for covet

1. See envy.

Antonyms for covet

1. renounce.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for coveter

covet

verb -vets, -veting or -veted (tr)

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

Derived Formscovetable, adjectivecoveter, noun

Word Origin for covet

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for coveter

covet

mid-13c., from Old French coveitier "covet, desire, lust after" (12c., Modern French convoiter, influenced by con- words), probably ultimately from Latin cupiditas "passionate desire, eagerness, ambition," from cupidus "very desirous," from cupere "long for, desire" (see cupidity). Related: Coveted; coveting.