Meaning & use
covet
Last updated
UK/ˈkʌv.ɪt/
US/ˈkʌv.ɪt/
Meaning
verbtransitiveformaldisapproving
To want something very much, especially something that someone else has.
Grammar: Takes an object: covet a title.
Patterns
- covet something
He secretly coveted his neighbor's garden.
Many designers covet a place on the list.
She coveted the title of champion for years.
Word forms
| third person singular | covets |
|---|---|
| past tense | coveted |
| past participle | coveted |
| -ing form | coveting |
Common combinations
- covet something
- They coveted the prize.
- coveted award
- She won the coveted award.
- coveted position
- He finally got the coveted position.
- covet thy neighbor's
- The saying warns against coveting a neighbor's goods.
Synonyms and how they differ
- crave
- Crave describes a strong need or craving, not necessarily for something belonging to others.
- envy
- Envy is the feeling of resentment toward someone for having something, while covet is the desire to have it.
- desire
- Desire is neutral and warmer, while covet suggests an improper or excessive want.
Opposites
Word family
- covetous adjective
- having a strong desire for what others have
- covetousness noun
- strong desire for another's possessions
- coveted adjective
- greatly desired by many
Practice
He had always ___ his brother's success, though he never said so.
Choose one answer.
Coveted fits the idea of wanting what another has. Respected and ignored do not imply desire, and predicted is a different action.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “covet”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.
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