cupidity

[ kyoo-pid-i-tee ]

noun

1. eager or excessive desire, especially to possess something; greed; avarice.

   Synonyms: hunger, avidity, covetousness

cupidity

/ kjuːˈpɪdɪtɪ /

noun

1. strong desire, esp for possessions or money; greed

Other Words From

• cu·pid·i·nous [kyoo-, pid, -n-, uh, s], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cupidity¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English cupidite, (from Middle French or directly from Latin cupiditās, equivalent to cupid(us) “eager, desirous” ( cup(ere) “to desire” + -idus -id ⁴ ) + -itās -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of cupidity¹

C15: from Latin cupiditās, from cupidus eagerly desiring, from cupere to long for

Example Sentences

Accessorizing—and the popularization of it—breeds cupidity, to a degree, which has been accentuated by social media, according to research.

From Slate

Regarding the election fraud claims, Fox News, citing Butler, could have argued that neither cupidity nor cowardice are synonyms for malice.

From Washington Post

The dribbling of classic works into the public domain every year on Jan. 1 may be gratifying, but it also serves to underscore the stupidity and cupidity of our convoluted copyright system.

From Los Angeles Times

People of this area should adamantly oppose the cupidity and greed of pro-growth voices supporting a new airport who essentially want to destroy this area by bringing about Los Angeles-type sprawl.

From Seattle Times

Throughout her art, her moving images feature avatars of herself that she endows with a vital mixture of ego and exhaustion, cupidity and love.

From New York Times