Word of the Day - 07/21/26
cupidity
/kju'pɪdɪti/(n.): extreme greed for material wealth
His cupidity led him to betray his colleagues for a larger share of the profits.
Word Origin
The word 'cupidity' originates from Latin. It comes from the Latin word 'cupiditas', meaning 'desire, eagerness, ambition', which itself is derived from 'cupidus' (desirous) and 'cupere' (to desire, long for). The '-ity' suffix is used to form nouns from adjectives, indicating a state or quality.
Words with similar origins include 'Cupid', the Roman god of desire, directly from Latin 'Cupido' meaning 'desire, love'. 'Covet' also shares a root, coming through Old French from Latin 'cupiditas'. 'Concupiscence' also derives from Latin 'concupiscere' (to long for), which incorporates 'cupere'.