Coveted
'kʌvɪtɪd
Definitions
2 meaningsTo yearn to possess or have something, especially something belonging to someone else.
'kʌvɪt
To desire something greatly, often something belonging to another.
He coveted his neighbor's beautiful garden.
💡 Simply: Imagine you see your friend's brand new, super cool bike. You want it SO bad, you're practically dreaming about it. That's coveting! It's like REALLY wanting something someone else has.
👶 For kids: Want something that someone else has, like a toy.
More Examples
The young artist coveted the recognition of the established masters.
Many young athletes covet an Olympic gold medal.
How It's Used
"She has long coveted the position of CEO."
"The company coveted the rival's market share."
Eagerly and often secretly desired or wished for; envied.
'kʌvɪtɪd
Greatly desired or envied.
The Pulitzer Prize is a coveted award for journalists.
💡 Simply: When something is coveted, everyone wants it. Think of the 'coveted' role of class president - everyone wants it because it's the best. So coveted means that a lot of people wish they could have it.
👶 For kids: Something that lots of people want, like a special toy.
More Examples
The job offer from Google was a coveted position.
The championship title was a coveted achievement.
How It's Used
"The coveted prize was finally awarded."
"The professor secured a coveted research grant."
Idioms & expressions
covetous eye
A longing, often envious, look at something.
"He cast a covetous eye on the expensive sports car."
From Middle English coveten, from Old French cuveitier, from Latin cupiditāre, meaning 'to desire eagerly'.
Used in literature and everyday speech since the 14th century to describe a strong desire for something.
Memory tip
Think of the word 'cover'. You want to 'cover' or obtain something that someone else has.