noun
avarice
A-vuh-rihs
noun
1
An excessive, greedy desire for wealth or possessions.
"His avarice led him to cheat his own business partners."
"The novel is a study of avarice and its cost to the soul."
How to Use Avarice
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGreed for money or wealth, stronger and more literary than the everyday word "greed."
When to use it
A fairly formal or literary word — everyday speech usually just says "greed."
Common pairings
pure avarice
driven by avarice
Word Forms
avarices plural
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Etymology
From Old French avarice, from Latin avaritia, from avarus, "greedy."