Avarice
/ˈævərɪs/
nounC2
Definition
Avarice is the feeling of wanting a lot of wealth or things, often more than is fair or needed. It is a strong and selfish desire to get and keep money or goods, usually ignoring the needs of others.
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See It in Action
Extreme and selfish desire for wealth or possessions
- •His avarice led him to cheat others to gain more money.
- •The story warns about the dangers of avarice and selfishness.
- •Avarice can make people unhappy because they never feel they have enough.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "avarice" like "want" (A1 word), but much stronger and selfish—like wanting everything just for yourself
- ✓Picture a person holding a big bag of gold tightly, not sharing with anyone else
- ✓It's the feeling when someone is never happy with what they have and always wants more money or things, even if it hurts others
- ✓Sounds like "Ava-rice" → imagine a rice bowl that keeps getting filled but the person never shares and keeps it all
- ✓Think of the story of King Midas, who wanted gold so much that it caused problems—this shows avarice can be harmful
- ✓NOT like "want" (simple desire), avarice is a strong, selfish, and often negative desire for wealth
- ✓NOT like "greed" (similar meaning), but avarice is a more formal, old-fashioned word often used in literature and serious talks
Try Other Words
- •Greed: strong desire for more money or things (Use in everyday speech when talking about selfish wanting)
- •Cupidity: very strong desire for wealth (Use in formal or literary contexts, similar to avarice)
- •Covetousness: wanting what others have (Use when emphasizing envy and desire for others’ possessions)
- •Materialism: focus on owning things and money (Use when talking about a lifestyle or belief, not just a feeling)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (none clear, whole word "avarice" from Latin)
- •Etymology: From Latin "avaritia," meaning greed or desire for wealth
- •Historical development: Used since Middle English, originally from Latin, often in religious and moral texts warning against selfish desire
- •Modern usage: Mostly used in formal writing, literature, or serious discussions about selfish desire for wealth
- •Interesting fact: Avarice is one of the seven deadly sins in Christian tradition, showing it is considered a serious moral fault
Reflect & Connect
•How can avarice affect a person’s relationships and happiness in life?
•Can wanting more money ever be good, or does it always become avarice if it is too strong?
Fill in the blanks
1.Avarice often causes people to ___ others to get more money or things.
2.When someone shows avarice, they usually do not want to ___ what they have.
3.Unlike simple desire, avarice is a ___ and selfish want for wealth.
4.In stories, avarice can lead to ___ problems or unhappiness.
5.People with avarice may find it hard to feel ___ even if they have a lot.
6.The word avarice is often used in ___ or serious talks about money and selfishness.
7.Avarice is different from generosity because it is about wanting to ___ rather than give.