verb
covet
KUH-viht
Covet (verb) means to want something very badly, often something that belongs to someone else. Example: “He coveted his neighbor's new sports car.”
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
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- covets
- Past tense
- coveted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He _____ his neighbor's new sports car.
Etymology
From Old French covoitier ("to desire"), ultimately linked to the Latin word for greed, cupiditas.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “covet” mean?
The word “covet” means to want something very badly, often something that belongs to someone else. In plain terms, to badly want something, especially something someone else has.
How do you pronounce “covet”?
“Covet” is pronounced KUH-viht (/ˈkʌvɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “covet” in a sentence?
Here is “covet” used in a sentence: “He coveted his neighbor's new sports car.”
What is another word for “covet”?
Words with a similar meaning to “covet” include hanker.
What part of speech is “covet”?
“Covet” is a verb.
Where does the word “covet” come from?
The word “covet” comes from Latin. From Old French covoitier ("to desire"), ultimately linked to the Latin word for greed, cupiditas.
