covetous
貪欲な
解説 Definition
他者の所有物や富に対して過度な欲望を示す形容詞です。貪欲で、常により多くのものを求める欲深い性質を表します。
Covetous means strongly wanting something that belongs to someone else, especially money, property, or success. It usually suggests an unhealthy or selfish desire. The word has a negative tone and is often used in moral or literary contexts.
覚え方のコツ Memory Tip
covetous は covet（強く欲しがる）+ -ous（〜に満ちた）と分けると処理しやすい。覚える軸は『ただ欲深い』ではなく『人の持ち物・地位・富をほしがる』点。greedy が量や利益をもっと求める広い語なのに対し、covetous は欲望の対象が“他人のもの”に向きやすい。a covetous look, covetous of wealth など、よその財産をじっと見る場面で結びつけると残りやすい。
Break it into `covet + -ous`. `Covet` means strongly want, and `-ous` means full of, so the word suggests a person full of wanting. It is often about wanting what other people have, so connect it with a jealous look at someone else's wealth or success.
例文
The covetous merchant constantly sought more wealth and power.
貪欲な商人は絶えずより多くの富と力を求めました。
His covetous gaze at the treasure revealed his true intentions.
宝物への彼の貪欲なまなざしは彼の本当の意図を明らかにしました。
The covetous nature of humans has driven many conflicts throughout history.
人間の貪欲な性質は歴史を通じて多くの紛争を引き起こしています。
covetous の類義語・関連語
類義語
covetous の語源・成り立ち Etymology
covetous は古フランス語 coveitos を経て、ラテン語 cupere「強く欲する」にさかのぼる。語尾 -ous は「〜に満ちた」で、cupidity や Cupid も同根なので、「欲望でいっぱいの」から「貪欲な」が腑に落ちる。
Covetous came into English through Old French from Latin cupere, meaning "to desire strongly." The ending -ous means "full of," so the word originally suggested being full of desire. Over time, it came to describe a greedy or eager wanting, especially for things one should not have. Related words include cupidity and Cupid.
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