CUPIDITY: "Extreme greed for material wealth"

By MsW

"Cupidity" refers to extreme greed or an insatiable desire for wealth or possessions. It describes an intense, often selfish, longing for material gain.

Etymology: The word "cupidity" originates from the Latin term "cupiditas," which is derived from "cupere," meaning "to desire" or "to long for." In Latin, "cupiditas" encompassed the idea of strong, often excessive, desires or cravings for various things, not limited to material possessions but extending to any passionate longing or craving.

The root of "cupidity" is connected to "Cupid," the Roman god of love, whose name in Latin is "Cupido." The association with Cupid suggests an intense, passionate longing or desire similar to the fervor often linked with love and desire in mythology.












Over time, in English, "cupidity" took on a more negative connotation, particularly emphasizing excessive desire for wealth or material possessions, sometimes at the expense of ethical considerations or moral values.

Here are five sample sentences using "cupidity":

  1. The ruler's downfall was rooted in his cupidity, leading to the exploitation of his people.

  2. The company's downfall was attributed to the CEO's cupidity, as he prioritized profit over ethical business practices.

  3. The novel depicted a cautionary tale of a man consumed by cupidity, losing everything of genuine value in his pursuit of wealth.

  4. The nation's history was marred by periods of cupidity among its leaders, resulting in widespread corruption.

  5. Her generosity was in stark contrast to the cupidity displayed by many in her industry, earning her widespread admiration.


examples in literature
And I could not imagine a human being so blinded by cupidity as to sell poison to such an atrocious creature.
The Mirror of the Sea by Conrad, Joseph  
His keen eye still played with facility in its deep-sunk orbit; and fat, which levels all the characteristic saliences of the human face, had not yet touched either his high cheek-bones, the sign of cunning and cupidity, or his pointed chin, the sign of acuteness and perseverance.
Ten Years Later by Dumas, Alexandre
 




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