VocabDictionary

cupidity

/kjuːˈpɪd.ə.ti/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

Eager or excessive desire, especially for wealth; greed and materialism.

Example Sentences:
  • The corporate scandal was driven entirely by the unbounded cupidity of its executives.
  • She looked upon the family inheritance not with affection, but with cold cupidity.
Share & Learn With Friends

Share “cupidity” with study groups, classmates, or on your social channels.

English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “cupidity”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Latin word 'cupiditas', meaning eager desire or passion, which comes from 'cupidus' (desirous) and ultimately from 'cupere' (to desire). It is etymologically related to Cupid, the Roman god of passionate love and desire, though in modern usage, cupidity has shifted from romantic desire to an obsessive, greedy desire for wealth and material gain.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'Cupid' shooting an arrow of intense, greedy desire straight at money and gold.

Frequently Asked Questions About “cupidity

1. What is the meaning of “cupidity” in English?

In English, cupidity (noun) is defined as: “Eager or excessive desire, especially for wealth; greed and materialism.”.

2. How do you use “cupidity” in a sentence?

The corporate scandal was driven entirely by the unbounded cupidity of its executives.

3. What are English synonyms of “cupidity”?

Common synonyms include:greed,avarice,rapacity,covetousness

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “cupidity”?

Derived from the Latin word 'cupiditas', meaning eager desire or passion, which comes from 'cupidus' (desirous) and ultimately from 'cupere' (to desire). It is etymologically related to Cupid, the Roman god of passionate love and desire, though in modern usage, cupidity has shifted from romantic desire to an obsessive, greedy desire for wealth and material gain.