All words

covet

Meaning

To feel an intense longing for something that belongs to another.

Examples by difficulty

Basic: Simple, everyday vocabulary — the easiest to read.

Ever since Marcus watched his friend win the soccer trophy, he began to covet that prize. He wished for it so earnestly that he started practicing every day. His desire grew stronger whenever he saw the shining trophy resting on his friend’s shelf.

She watched the baker carefully arrange the perfect pastries, a deep ache in her stomach. More than anything, she wanted to covet that warmth, that sweet, delicious smell. She wished for it so much, she could almost taste it.

Jake stared at the sleek racing bike in the shop window. He had saved for months, dreaming about riding it down empty streets. Every paycheck brought him closer to his goal, and he continued to covet the bike with an intensity that made his heart race.

Every time Benny sees his neighbor’s sparkling swimming pool, he suddenly covet a pool of his own so much that he starts practicing his swimming moves in the bathtub. His rubber duck race is intense, but alas, the gold medal is still only bubble-scented.

Barnaby the badger, whose tummy rumbled louder than a tuba, would covet the plumpest worms after a long nap. He'd twitch his nose and dream of earth-flavored snacks, wishing with all his might for just one juicy bite.

Normal: Standard, everyday language.

Every time Maria walked past her neighbor's beautiful garden, she couldn't help but covet the vibrant flowers and perfectly trimmed hedges. She longed to have a garden just like it, filled with colors and fragrance that would brighten up her own backyard.

The old mansion loomed over the town, its decaying facade a stark reminder of its former glory. Inside, the air was thick with dust and the smell of decay. As I explored the dimly lit rooms, I couldn't help but covet the treasures that lay hidden within the shadows. The antique furniture, the gilded mirrors, the ornate chandeliers - each one a relic of a time long past. But as I reached out to touch a shimmering jewel encrusted necklace, a cold hand grabbed my wrist. "Do not covet what is not yours," a voice hissed in my ear, sending shivers down my spine.

The young princess gazed longingly at the shimmering jewel-encrusted crown displayed before her. She could not help but covet the magnificent piece, imagining the power it would bestow upon her. Despite being warned by her advisors that the crown was meant for the queen alone, the princess's desire burned brightly within her. She dreamed of the day when she would wear it proudly upon her head, ruling over the kingdom with grace and strength. Little did she know, her covetous thoughts would lead her down a path of betrayal and regret.

"Alright class, today we are going to learn about the word 'covet.' When we say someone covets something, it means they really, really want it. It's not just a passing desire, but a strong, earnest wish. For example, imagine you see your friend's new bike and you wish you had one just like it. You might covet their bike because you want it so badly. It's important to remember that coveting can lead to jealousy or even unhealthy obsession, so it's always best to appreciate what we have and not constantly wish for what others have."

Covet means to earnestly desire. The key here is that the desire is strong. This word is often used to describe a longing for something that is not easily attainable. For example, you may covet a luxurious car or a beautiful home. Coveting implies a sense of envy or greed, and can sometimes be associated with negative consequences, like theft or dissatisfaction.

Advanced: Richer vocabulary that stretches an upper-level reader.

Michael could not help but covet his friend’s guitar, watching him play with ease and confidence. He wished for it earnestly, imagining himself learning each chord and performing in front of an audience. The desire stayed with him, pushing him to save for his own.

He watched the successful entrepreneur from afar. He didn't just admire the man's achievements; he deeply, intensely wished for that level of influence and prosperity for himself. This gnawing desire to possess what another had was all he could focus on.

Sarah watched her neighbor's sleek electric car glide into the driveway, her old sedan sputtering in contrast. She couldn't help but covet the smooth, silent vehicle, imagining herself behind its polished steering wheel, free from constant repair worries and rising gas prices.

While Felix sat through yet another tedious meeting, he couldn’t help but covet his neighbor’s gigantic, triple-chocolate muffin with an intensity that bordered on embarrassing. As the minutes dragged on, his earnest longing for a crumb—just one crumb—became more riveting than the budget spreadsheet on screen.

Bartholomew, a badger of discerning taste, would often covet Mildred the mole's perfectly ripened cheese wheel. He’d gaze with such profound longing, imagining its creamy texture and pungent aroma, that his whiskers would twitch uncontrollably. He yearned for a sliver, just a morsel, of that magnificent fromage.

Challenging: Rare, high-register vocabulary for serious word lovers.

Each morning, Daniel would covet his neighbor's job, yearning for the sense of fulfillment it seemed to provide. While his own routine felt monotonous and unremarkable, he earnestly wished for a chance at something more meaningful, certain that satisfaction could transform his outlook on life.

She watched the other students with their new, gleaming smartphones, an ache growing in her chest. More than anything, she wished for one of her own, feeling a potent desire for the same conveniences and social access everyone else seemed to possess.

Sarah watched her neighbor's gleaming Tesla with quiet intensity, her old sedan sputtering in the driveway. She would covet that sleek electric car, imagining herself gliding silently through city streets, free from the constant repair bills and embarrassing engine noises that plagued her current vehicle.

Every morning, Harold would covet his neighbor’s gargantuan inflatable flamingo, gazing with the longing of a man exiled from a plastic paradise. Though his own lawn was festooned with garden gnomes, none could satiate his earnest craving for festive, flamboyant avian decorum.

Ignatius, a connoisseur of esoteric confections, would often covet the ostentatious, bejeweled éclairs displayed at the patisserie, yearning for their ephemeral, saccharine perfection with a fervor bordering on the fanatical. He’d practically salivate, imagining the ambrosial, sugar-spun bliss.

Difficulty

Normal — Everyday words worth reinforcing.

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