covet
Covet (verb) means to want something very badly, often something that belongs to someone else. Example: “He coveted his neighbor's new sports car.”
How to use covet
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo badly want something, especially something someone else has.
Carries a slight edge of envy or greed — it's stronger than simply "wanting" something.
Word forms
coveted past tense, covets singular
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
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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.