cupidity
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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English [edit]
Etymology [edit]
From French cupidité, from Latin cupiditās (“strong desire”), from cupidus (“keen, desirous”). Compare Cupid.
Pronunciation [edit]
Noun [edit]
cupidity (plural cupidities)
- Extreme greed, especially for wealth.
- 1913, Robert Barr, chapter 4, Lord Stranleigh Abroad[1]:
- “I have tried, as I hinted, to enlist the co-operation of other capitalists, but experience has taught me that any appeal is futile that does not impinge directly upon cupidity. …”
- 1956, Arthur C. Clarke, The City and the Stars, p 37
- Humanity had always been fascinated by the mystery of the falling dice, the turn of a card, the spin of the pointer. At its lowest level, this interest was based on mere cupidity—and that was an emotion that could have no place in a world where everyone possessed all that they could reasonably need.
- 1982, Lawrence Durrell, Constance, Faber & Faber 2004 (Avignon Quintet), p. 784:
- It was easy to dissimulate and disperse these modest purchases in such a way as not to excite the cupidity of any passing patrols.
- 1913, Robert Barr, chapter 4, Lord Stranleigh Abroad[1]:
Synonyms [edit]
- (extreme greed): avarice, covetousness; see also Wikisaurus:greed
Related terms [edit]
Translations [edit]
extreme greed, especially for wealth
