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 Word Forms

• 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

Between their surprise guests and range of DJs, many festival goers plan to spend their entire days under the stage’s coveted misters.

From Los Angeles Times

Home runs, of course, are not why the Dodgers long coveted Edman early in his career with the St. Louis Cardinals.

From Los Angeles Times

Then Coop launches into a meticulous description of what makes each item worth coveting.

From Salon

John Lithgow was one of the big winners of the night, taking home the coveted Best Actor trophy for his portrayal of Roald Dahl in Giant.

From BBC

Brown becomes the second transfer to join the Bruins after highly coveted New Mexico point guard Donovan Dent signed with the team this week.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• crave
• envy
• lust after