How Do You Spell COVETOUS?

Pronunciation: [kˈʌvətəs] (IPA)

The word "covetous" is spelled with the phonetic transcription /ˈkʌvɪtəs/. The word is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable. The word means having an excessive or selfish desire for something. The spelling of "covetous" can be deceiving for non-native English speakers, as the "v" and "e" can be easily mistaken for a "b" and "o", respectively. However, mastering spelling is important for clear communication, and knowing the phonetic transcription can aid in correct pronunciation.

COVETOUS Meaning and Definition

  1. Covetous is an adjective that describes a fervent desire to possess something that belongs to someone else, often entailing envy or greed. It is derived from the Middle English word "covetous" and ultimately from the Latin word "cupiditas," which means "desire.”

    The term covetous implies an intense longing for another person’s belongings, whether it be material possessions, wealth, status, or even qualities such as talent or beauty. This desire is often driven by a feeling of lacking or a belief that acquiring what others possess will bring satisfaction or happiness.

    When someone is described as covetous, it suggests that they are excessively desirous and envious of what others have, often to the point of obsessing over it or engaging in dishonest or unfair means to attain their desired object or status. The covetous individual may display a high level of greed and dissatisfaction with their own possessions or circumstances, perceiving others as possessing something superior or enviable.

    Covetousness is considered a negative trait in many ethical systems and religious teachings, as it can lead to negative consequences and breed discontent. It is often contrasted with virtues such as contentment, gratitude, and selflessness. In some legal contexts, covetousness may even be associated with actions like theft or fraud when it leads to criminal behavior.

    In summary, covetousness refers to an excessive desire, often fueled by envy and greed, to possess what others have. It suggests a longing for something that belongs to someone else, and the term carries negative connotations due to its association with discontent, dishonesty, and potential unethical behavior.

  2. Eager to obtain; greedily desirous after; avaricious.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for COVETOUS

Etymology of COVETOUS

The word covetous dates back to Middle English and is derived from Old French coveitise (modern French: convoitise), which means desire or longing. This Old French word is itself derived from Latin cupiditas, meaning desire or passion. The Latin term is related to cupido, which means desire or longing and is also the name of the Roman god of love. Ultimately, the word covetous can be traced back to the Latin root cupere, meaning to desire.

Similar spelling words for COVETOUS

  • CFDS,
  • con-cavities,
  • GFADS,
  • CVTS,
  • CVADS,
  • joint-cavities,
  • kivowitz,
  • CAFETS,
  • CFDASE,
  • QFADS,
  • gafiates,
  • Kiftis,
  • couvades,
  • body-cavities,
  • cofidis,
  • cuvettes,
  • GAVATTS,
  • courteous,
  • QFTZ,
  • CFT'S,
  • covet,
  • heart-cavities,
  • covets,
  • cavitis,
  • Covetise,
  • CAFDES,
  • QUEFTS,
  • CFTIS,
  • CFTS,
  • Cavities,
  • gavdos,
  • govts,
  • CFTASE,
  • covetously,
  • kaviedes,
  • CFFTS,
  • koftas,
  • kavetas,
  • covers,
  • coafts,
  • kvutza,
  • CHFETS,
  • caveats,
  • kovats,
  • cavettos,
  • GFTSA,
  • cavity's,
  • gaviotas,
  • WGFDIS,
  • CCVTZ,
  • gavottes,
  • cavitas,
  • qiviuts,
  • gavots,
  • Cophotes,
  • cupheads,
  • goopheads,
  • marrow-cavities,
  • CAFDIS,
  • CFIDSSA.

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