covetously 🔊
Meaning of covetously
In a manner showing a strong desire to possess something, often with envy or greed.
Key Difference
Unlike general desire, 'covetously' implies an intense, often unworthy longing, sometimes at the expense of others.
Example of covetously
- She glanced covetously at her neighbor's luxurious car, wishing it were hers.
- The collector handled the rare artifact covetously, reluctant to let anyone else touch it.
Synonyms
enviously 🔊
Meaning of enviously
With a feeling of discontent or resentment aroused by someone else's possessions or advantages.
Key Difference
While 'enviously' focuses on resentment, 'covetously' emphasizes the desire to possess.
Example of enviously
- He watched enviously as his colleague received the prestigious award.
- She scrolled enviously through social media, comparing her life to others'.
greedily 🔊
Meaning of greedily
With an intense and selfish desire for something, especially wealth or food.
Key Difference
'Greedily' is broader, often related to consumption, whereas 'covetously' is more about desiring others' possessions.
Example of greedily
- The child grabbed the candy greedily, not wanting to share.
- Investors eyed the booming market greedily, hoping for quick profits.
avariciously 🔊
Meaning of avariciously
In a manner showing extreme greed for wealth or material gain.
Key Difference
'Avariciously' is more formal and specifically relates to wealth, while 'covetously' can apply to any desired object.
Example of avariciously
- The landlord raised rents avariciously, ignoring his tenants' struggles.
- He hoarded his riches avariciously, refusing to donate to charity.
jealously 🔊
Meaning of jealously
With fear or resentment of losing something to a rival.
Key Difference
'Jealously' involves protecting what one already has, while 'covetously' is about desiring what others have.
Example of jealously
- She guarded her position jealously, wary of any competition.
- The artist jealously kept his techniques secret from others.
longingly 🔊
Meaning of longingly
With a strong, persistent desire or yearning.
Key Difference
'Longingly' is more about emotional yearning, whereas 'covetously' has a selfish or envious tone.
Example of longingly
- He gazed longingly at the distant mountains, dreaming of adventure.
- She sighed longingly as she passed the bakery, craving a sweet treat.
rapaciously 🔊
Meaning of rapaciously
In a fiercely greedy or predatory manner.
Key Difference
'Rapaciously' implies aggressive taking, while 'covetously' focuses on the desire itself.
Example of rapaciously
- The corporation expanded rapaciously, swallowing smaller businesses.
- Pirates eyed the merchant ship rapaciously, ready to plunder.
possessively 🔊
Meaning of possessively
With a desire to dominate or control something exclusively.
Key Difference
'Possessively' relates to holding onto what one has, while 'covetously' is about wanting what others possess.
Example of possessively
- He held onto his old letters possessively, refusing to throw them away.
- She clutched her purse possessively in the crowded train.
hungrily 🔊
Meaning of hungrily
With a strong craving or need, often literal (food) or metaphorical.
Key Difference
'Hungrily' is more about urgent need, while 'covetously' implies envy or selfish desire.
Example of hungrily
- The wolves eyed the prey hungrily, waiting to strike.
- Students listened hungrily to the professor's insights.
yearningly 🔊
Meaning of yearningly
With a deep, often melancholic desire.
Key Difference
'Yearningly' is more poetic and emotional, while 'covetously' has a materialistic or envious connotation.
Example of yearningly
- She looked yearningly at old photos, missing her childhood.
- He stared yearningly at the horizon, wishing for a different life.
Conclusion
- 'Covetously' describes an intense, often envious desire for something belonging to another. It carries a negative tone of greed or selfishness.
- 'Enviously' is best when resentment is the primary emotion, not just desire.
- 'Greedily' fits when the focus is on consumption or accumulation, not just wanting others' possessions.
- 'Avariciously' should be used in formal contexts, especially relating to wealth.
- 'Jealously' works when protecting what one already has, rather than desiring others' things.
- 'Longingly' is ideal for emotional or wistful desires without envy.
- 'Rapaciously' applies to aggressive or predatory greed, not passive desire.
- 'Possessively' is about control, not just wanting something.
- 'Hungrily' suits urgent needs, whether literal or metaphorical.
- 'Yearningly' conveys a deep, often nostalgic desire, free from envy.