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)

Derived Forms

• ˈcoveter, noun
• ˈcovetable, adjective

Other Words From

• cov·et·a·ble adjective
• cov·et·er noun
• cov·et·ing·ly adverb
• un·cov·et·ing 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

Despite flashes of brilliance as a rookie and a record-setting career at Ohio State, Dobbins was not a highly coveted commodity on the free-agent market.

From Los Angeles Times

When Will Dissly signed with the Chargers, the tight end was coveted for his physical blocking that would help set the perfect tone under Harbaugh.

From Los Angeles Times

Unlike other special-education categories, the gifted label was coveted by parents.

From Los Angeles Times

Gulls are kind of an interesting group because some of them are among the most coveted bird species on a bird list.

From Salon

The last-minute withdrawal means South Africa will not be represented at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant, where Ms Le Roux was among 120 beauty queens vying for the coveted title.

From BBC

Related Words

• crave
• envy
• lust after