verb
covet
KUH-viht
verb
1
To want something very badly, often something that belongs to someone else.
"He coveted his neighbor's new sports car."
"She had long coveted a corner office with a view."
How to Use Covet
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo badly want something, especially something someone else has.
Common mistake
Carries a slight edge of envy or greed — it's stronger than simply "wanting" something.
Common pairings
covet a position
covet someone's success
covet what others have
Word Forms
coveted past tense, covets singular
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He _____ his neighbor's new sports car.
Etymology
From Old French covoitier ("to desire"), ultimately linked to the Latin word for greed, cupiditas.