Greed in English
- greed⇄greed, noun.
the quality of wanting more than one's share; greedy behavior; greedy desire.
Ex. a miser's greed for money.
(SYN) avidity, avarice, cupidity, covetousness.
Greed in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
Greed in Sindhi سنڌي
Greed
Part of Speech
Noun
Pronunciation
/ɡriːd/
Definitions
- Intense and selfish desire for something, especially wealth, power, or food.
- An excessive craving for more than what is needed or deserved.
Usage Examples
- His greed for money led him to make unethical decisions.
- Greed often results in the downfall of powerful individuals.
Etymology
From Old English "grǣdig" (voracious, greedy), related to Proto-Germanic "grēdaz" (hunger, greed), and linked to Old High German "grātag" (greedy).
Synonyms
- Avarice
- Covetousness
- Gluttony
Antonyms
- Generosity
- Charity
- Contentment
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | avaricia | aβaˈɾiθja |
| French | avidité | a.vi.di.te |
| German | Gier | ɡiːɐ̯ |
| Hindi | लालच (Lālac) | laːlat͡ʃ |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 贪婪 (Tānlán) | tʰan˥ lan˧˥ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
In American English, the word is pronounced with a slightly softer 'd' sound, whereas in British English, the 'd' is more pronounced.
Historical Usage
The concept of greed has been discussed in religious and philosophical texts for centuries, often portrayed as a vice leading to destruction.
Cultural Nuances
Many cultures view greed as a negative trait, often associated with corruption and moral failure. In Buddhist philosophy, greed is considered one of the three poisons that cause suffering.
More Information
Greed is a recurring theme in literature and film, often used to illustrate the moral downfall of characters. Notable examples include Ebenezer Scrooge in "A Christmas Carol" and the characters in "The Wolf of Wall Street."