Covets Meaning in English

word · lemma: covet

US

ˈkəvəts

KUH-vuhts

UK

kˈʌvɪts

kuv-ITS

Definition

To strongly want something, especially something that belongs to someone else.

Usage & Nuances

Formal or literary; often used in religious or moral contexts. The verb 'covet' usually implies envy or an improper desire. Common collocations: 'covet wealth', 'covet your neighbor's...'. Not used for everyday wants ('want', 'desire' are more neutral).

• Spanish: codicia - ansía
• Portuguese (BR): cobiça - deseja ardentemente
• Portuguese (PT): cobiça - deseja ardentemente
• Chinese (Simplified): 渴望 - 垂涎
• Chinese (Traditional): 渴望 - 垂涎
• Hindi: लालच करता है - बहुत चाहना
• Arabic: يشتَهِي - يَرغَب بِشِدّة
• Bengali: লোভ করা - ঈর্ষা করা - হিংসা করা
• Russian: жаждать - сильно желать (чужого) - завидовать
• Japanese: 強く欲しがる - 羨む
• Vietnamese: thèm muốn - ao ước (cái của người khác)
• Korean: 탐내다 - 몹시 갖고 싶어하다
• Turkish: imrenmek - arzulamak (başkasınınkini)
• Urdu: حسد کرنا - للچانا
• Indonesian: mendambakan - menginginkan (milik orang lain)

Example Sentences

She covets her friend's new shoes.

basic

He covets a position of power.

basic

Everyone covets the award for best student.

basic

He secretly covets his neighbor's fancy car.

natural

She always covets what others have instead of appreciating her own things.

natural

It's human nature to covet what seems out of reach.

natural