avaritia

greed, excessive desire

1 / 1

An already wealthy woman protectively hugs an excessive heap of gold and jewelry while greedily reaching for still more treasure beyond her grasp.

noun

avarice

AV-uh-ris/ˈævərɪs/

Extreme greed for wealth or material gain.

Etymology

avariceLatingreed, excessive desire

Latin avaritia named excessive desire and came from a verb meaning “crave.” English once applied avarice to knowledge, glory, and power too, but its usual meaning narrowed to overwhelming greed for wealth.

Full entry

Related word entries

avarice