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avaricious

adjective

/ˌavəˈrɪʃəs/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of avaricious

Having or showing an extreme and often selfish desire for wealth or material gain.

"He ran an avaricious scheme to swindle unsuspecting pensioners out of their savings."

Detailed meaning of avaricious

It is often used to describe a person who is excessively or rapaciously eager to acquire more money or possessions, often at the expense of others. The word comes from the Latin "avarus," which means greedy or miserly. In modern usage, it is often used to describe someone who is excessively or insatiably greedy.

Example sentences containing avaricious

1. They were avaricious property developers who had no regard for residents in the community.
2. He was avaricious entrepreneur who was always looking to to increase his profit margin.
3. He was an avaricious man who was driven by greed and ego.
4. He was an avaricious man who had no time for friends or family.
5. He was so avaricious he depleated the family's for his own investments.
6. His avaricious desire for wealth led him to make unethical business decisions.

History and etymology of avaricious

The adjective 'avaricious' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'avaritia,' which is derived from 'avarus,' meaning 'greedy' or 'covetous.' In Latin, 'avaritia' referred to the excessive and often selfish desire for wealth or material gain. This notion of extreme greed and a relentless pursuit of riches carried forward into Old French as 'avarice.' As the term made its way into Middle English, it became 'avarous,' and eventually, it evolved into the modern English adjective 'avaricious.' The etymology of 'avaricious' underscores its association with an insatiable and selfish desire for wealth, reflecting a behavior driven by the relentless pursuit of material gain, often at the expense of others.

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Further usage examples of avaricious

1. She couldn't believe her avaricious ex-husband had tried to steal her inheritance.
2. His avaricious pursuit of money had made him many enemies.
3. She was disgusted by the avaricious behavior of the CEO.
4. His avaricious greed was legendary among his coworkers.
5. She couldn't stand the avaricious attitude of her boss.
6. His avaricious love of money had made him cold and calculating.
7. She was horrified by the avaricious way the company exploited its workers.
8. His avaricious behavior had caused him to lose all of his friends.
9. She couldn't believe the avaricious lengths her sister had gone to in order to get ahead.
10. His avaricious desire to be the richest man in the world had driven him to do some questionable things.
11. She couldn't stand the avaricious way her boss always tried to make a profit at the expense of others.
12. His avaricious pursuit of wealth drove him to unethical business practices.
13. The avaricious landlord raised the rent without justification.
14. Avaricious CEOs prioritize profits over employee well-being.
15. Her avaricious nature strained her personal relationships.
16. Avaricious investors exploited the vulnerable housing market.
17. The avaricious corporation evaded taxes to maximize profits.
18. Avaricious behavior often leads to financial ruin.
19. The avaricious banker was involved in embezzlement.
20. Avaricious politicians prioritize campaign contributions.
21. His avaricious ambition knew no bounds in his quest for riches.