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covet

 - 3 dictionary results

cov⋅et

[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.
2. to wish for, esp. eagerly: He won the prize they all coveted.
–verb (used without object)
3. to have an inordinate or wrongful desire.

Origin:
1175–1225; ME coveiten < AF coveiter, OF coveit(i)er < VL *cupidiētāre, v. deriv. of *cupidiētās, for L cupititās cupidity


cov⋅et⋅a⋅ble, adjective
cov⋅et⋅er, noun
cov⋅et⋅ing⋅ly, adverb


1. See envy.


1. renounce.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To covet
cov·et   (kŭv'ĭt)   
v.   cov·et·ed, cov·et·ing, cov·ets

v.   tr.
  1. To feel blameworthy desire for (that which is another's). See Synonyms at envy.

  2. To wish for longingly. See Synonyms at desire.

v.   intr.
To feel immoderate desire for that which is another's.

[Middle English coveiten, from Old French coveitier, from covitie, desire, from Latin cupiditās, from cupidus, desirous, from cupere, to desire.]
cov'et·a·ble adj., cov'et·er n., cov'et·ing·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

covet 
c.1225, from O.Fr. coveitier, probably ult. from L. cupiditas "passionate desire," from cupidus "very desirous," from cupere "long for, desire."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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