covet meaning and examples

Meaning

“Covet” means to strongly desire something that belongs to someone else. It often carries a negative or envious nuance, suggesting an improper or excessive longing.

Example meaning:

to want something very much, especially something that belongs to another person.

Grammar and Usage

• Part of speech: Verb (transitive)
• Common pattern: covet + noun
• It is often used in formal or literary contexts.

Typical structures:

• covet something → “He covets his neighbor’s car.”
• covet after something (rare, old-fashioned) → “Thou shalt not covet after thy neighbor’s wife.” (from the Bible)

Common Phrases

• covetous eyes – looking at something with strong desire
• a much-coveted award – an award that many people desire
• covet thy neighbor’s... – a biblical phrase meaning to desire someone else’s possessions

Collocations

Examples

1. She coveted her friend’s designer handbag.
2. Many graduates covet positions at top technology companies.
3. The championship trophy was the most coveted prize in the league.
4. He cast a covetous glance at the luxury watch.
5. They secretly coveted the power that came with the position.
6. The artist’s paintings are highly coveted by collectors.
7. You should not covet what others have but focus on your own growth.
8. Fame and wealth are often coveted but rarely bring happiness.
9. The company covets new markets in Asia.
10. That coveted role went to a newcomer this year.

Synonyms or Related

• desire
• crave
• long for
• yearn for
• envy
• want badly

Antonym

• reject
• disdain
• despise
• be indifferent to