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cov·et

(kŭvĭt)

v. cov·et·ed, cov·et·ing, cov·ets

v.tr.

1. To feel strong or immoderate desire for (that which is another's).

2. To wish for (something) longingly. See Synonyms at desire.

v.intr.

To covet that which is another's.

[Middle English coveiten, from Old French coveitier, from covitie, desire, from Latin cupiditās, from cupidus, desirous, from cupere, to desire.]

covet·a·ble adj.

covet·er n.

covet·ing·ly adv.

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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