What does COVET mean?

Parts of Speech

Covet is a verb.

Definitions

To covet means to have a strong desire to possess something that belongs to someone else.

Pronunciations

US: /ˈkʌvət/

UK: /ˈkʌvɪt/

Origin and Usage

The word covet comes from the Old French word coveitier meaning o desire. It has been used in English since the 14th century.

Covet is often used in a negative context, as it implies a desire for something that one does not have and should not have. It is often associated with the Tenth Commandment: "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbours house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbours wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbours."

Synonyms

• Desire
• Crave
• Yearn
• Long for
• Want

Related Words

• Cover
• Coven
• Coves
• Covey
• Cowed

Example Sentences

• She covets her neighbors car.
• He covets the promotion his colleague received.
• They covet the luxurious lifestyle of the rich and famous.