French word

convoiter

Pronunciation

IPA/kɔ̃vwate/

Meaning

  • verbcovet

Example

Elle convoite une promotion depuis des mois.

She has been coveting a promotion for months.

Illustration for convoiter (covet)

More examples

Il convoite la réussite de son ami.

He covets his friend's success.

Core concept

A strong pull toward another person's possession, status, or opportunity.

Common phrases

  • convoiter une promotion

    covet a promotion

  • convoiter la réussite

    covet success

Similar words

désirer: Want something deeply and intensely.
vouloir: Have a clear desire for something or for a particular action.
envier: Resentfully desire another person's possessions, advantages, or circumstances.
souhaiter: Wish for something to happen or state that wish.

Definition in French

Vouloir ardemment posséder ce que quelqu'un d'autre a.

Word origin

Old French convoiter developed from Latin cupiditare, related to cupere, "to desire," and kept the sense of intense wanting.

Usage tips

  • Convoiter often suggests envy or moral disapproval, while désirer or vouloir is usually more neutral for simply wanting something.

Other meanings

  • seekverb

Opposites

Related words

  • convoitisecovetousnessnoun
  • convoitécovetedadjective

Word lists with this word