adj.
Pronunciation: ' k ə -v ə -t ə s
Function: adjective
Date: 13th century
1 : marked by inordinate desire for wealth or possessions or for another's possessions
2 : having a craving for possession < covetous of power>
– cov · et · ous · ly adverb
– cov · et · ous · ness noun
synonyms COVETOUS , GREEDY , ACQUISITIVE , GRASPING , AVARICIOUS mean having or showing a strong desire for especially material possessions. COVETOUS implies inordinate desire often for another's possessions < covetous of his brother's country estate>. GREEDY stresses lack of restraint and often of discrimination in desire < greedy for status symbols>. ACQUISITIVE implies both eagerness to possess and ability to acquire and keep <an eagerly acquisitive mind>. GRASPING adds to COVETOUS and GREEDY an implication of selfishness and often suggests unfair or ruthless means <a hard grasping trader who cheated the natives>. AVARICIOUS implies obsessive acquisitiveness especially of money and strongly suggests stinginess <an avaricious miser>.