covet
UK: ˈkʌvɪt | US: ˈkʌvɪt
vt. to desire (something, especially something belonging to another) with envy or longing
vi. (archaic) to have an excessive or wrongful desire
covet = co<with intensity> + vet<desire>
- co- (prefix): An intensifying prefix, derived from Old French cov-, implying strong or obsessive focus.
- vet (root): From Old French covetier, meaning "to desire ardently," ultimately from Latin cupiditas (desire, longing).
Etymology Origin:
The word "covet" traces back to the Latin cupiditas, the root of "cupidity" (greed). Through Old French covetier, it evolved into Middle English as coveten, retaining its core meaning of intense desire—often with a negative connotation of envy or illegitimacy. The prefix co- amplifies the root's inherent sense of craving, reflecting a moralized view of excessive want in Judeo-Christian traditions (e.g., the Tenth Commandment: "Thou shalt not covet").
She secretly coveted her neighbor’s luxurious car.
The kingdom’s rivals coveted its fertile lands.
Material wealth should not be coveted above all else.
His eyes betrayed how much he coveted the trophy.
Ancient rulers often coveted the treasures of conquered cities.