Greed
/ɡriːd/
Definitions
An excessive desire to acquire or possess more than one needs or deserves, especially of money, wealth, or material things.
/ɡriːd/
Excessive or inordinate desire or craving, especially for wealth, power, or possessions.
His greed for power drove him to betray his friends.
💡 Simply: Greed is like always wanting more and more stuff or money, even if you already have plenty. Think of someone who is never satisfied and always wants to buy something new even if it's not necessary.
👶 For kids: Greed means wanting way too much of something, like toys or candy, and not wanting to share.
More Examples
The company's greed for profits led to environmental damage.
The story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked greed.
How It's Used
"The investor's greed led him to make reckless decisions and lose his fortune."
"The novel explored the themes of greed and its corrupting influence."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
The love of money is the root of all evil.
This expression highlights the negative consequences of greed and the pursuit of wealth, suggesting that excessive desire for money can lead to immoral actions.
"He justified his unethical business practices by saying, 'The love of money is the root of all evil.'"
Avarice is a bottomless pit, which exhausts all and satisfies nothing.
This expression is a metaphor that is very similar to the previous saying, further highlighting the negative consequences of greed and the pursuit of wealth, suggesting that excessive desire for money can lead to immoral actions.
"The businessman's life was consumed by avarice, his relentless pursuit of wealth leaving him unfulfilled."
From Middle English *grede*, from Old English *grǣd* ('greed, desire, lust'), from Proto-Germanic *grēdiz* ('greed, hunger'). Cognate with Dutch *griet* and German *Gier*.
Historically, 'greed' has consistently been viewed negatively, often associated with moral decay and the downfall of individuals and societies. The concept of avarice, as depicted in literature from Dante's *Inferno* to modern business novels, demonstrates its lasting significance.
Memory tip
Imagine a person constantly hoarding gold; that's greed.
Word Origin
"desire, lust"