The word "covetously" is spelled with the letters C-O-V-E-T-O-U-S-L-Y. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /ˈkʌvətəsli/. The primary stress is on the second syllable, which is pronounced with the schwa vowel sound /ə/. The "o" in the third syllable is pronounced as the /ʌ/ sound, while the "e" in the fourth syllable is pronounced as the /ə/ sound. Finally, the "-ly" ending is pronounced as the /li/ sound, with secondary stress on the "l".
Covetously is an adverb that refers to an action done or a feeling experienced in a manner characterized by covetousness. Covetousness is an intense desire to possess something that rightfully belongs to someone else. It denotes an excessive or greedy longing for another person's possessions, qualities, relationships, or achievements.
When someone acts covetously, it means they are displaying an envious mindset usually driven by the desire for personal gain or advantage. It is an insatiable yearning that disregards morals, fairness, or the consequences of one's actions. The covetous person may resort to various means, such as manipulation, deceit, or even theft, in order to obtain what they desire.
Covetousness is often associated with material possessions, particularly luxurious or valuable items, but it can extend beyond tangible objects to include intangible qualities like status, power, or affections. The covetous individual may harbor bitter feelings towards the person who possesses the desired object, leading to a negative and resentful disposition.
To act covetously is generally considered immoral and unethical, as it involves an attitude of selfishness, greed, and a lack of respect for other people's rights and possessions. It goes against the values of contentment, gratefulness, and fairness that are generally upheld in society.
The word "covetously" is derived from the base word "covet", which can be traced back to the Latin word "cupiditas". In Latin, "cupiditas" means "desire" or "eagerness", particularly in reference to material possessions. Over time, the word "covet" developed in Middle English to specifically denote an intense desire or longing for something that belongs to someone else. The suffix "-ly" is added to "covet" to form "covetously", which transforms the adjective "covetous" into an adverb, describing the manner in which someone desires or longs for something.