Definition

1. Noun:
   • Extreme greed for material wealth: An intense and selfish desire to acquire and hoard money and possessions, often beyond what one needs.
   • Reprehensible acquisitiveness: A morally blameworthy eagerness to possess things, especially wealth, characterized by an insatiable nature. In religious contexts, it is personified as one of the seven deadly sins.

Usage

• Avarice is an uncountable noun used to describe a deep-seated character trait or a powerful motivating force. It is a formal term, often carrying strong negative moral judgment. It is typically used in contexts discussing ethics, finance, religion, or character flaws.

Examples

• The billionaire's avarice was legendary; he was never satisfied, no matter how much his fortune grew.
• Many tales warn that avarice can destroy friendships and families.
• The sermon condemned the sin of avarice, urging the congregation to find value in generosity instead.

Advanced Usage

• "To be consumed by avarice": To be completely dominated or controlled by greed.
  • The king was consumed by avarice, taxing his people into poverty to fill his own coffers.
• "The avarice of...": Used to attribute greedy behavior to a person, group, or abstract concept.
  • The avarice of the corporation led to environmental exploitation.

Variants and Related Words

• Avaricious (adj): Having or showing extreme greed for wealth or material gain.
  • He was an avaricious collector, always wanting more rare artifacts.
• Avariciously (adv): In an extremely greedy manner.
  • The merchant avariciously eyed the customer's full purse.

Synonyms

• Greed: A strong desire for more wealth, power, or possessions than one needs. (Less formal and severe than ).
• Rapacity: Aggressive greed; predatory behavior in seeking plunder or riches.
• Cupidity: Eager or excessive desire, especially for wealth. (Similar in formality to ).

Antonyms

• Generosity: The quality of being kind and generous, willing to give more than is necessary.
• Altruism: The belief in or practice of selfless concern for the well-being of others.
• Contentment: A state of happiness and satisfaction.

Idioms and Phrases

• "Filthy lucre": A term, often used in religious or moral contexts, for money, especially when it is viewed as gained or used in a dishonorable, selfish, or avaricious way.
  • He was accused of pursuing nothing but filthy lucre.
• "The love of money is the root of all evil": A proverbial saying (from the Bible) that highlights the dangers of avarice and excessive desire for wealth.

Noun

1. extreme greed for material wealth
2. reprehensible acquisitiveness; insatiable desire for wealth (personified as one of the deadly sins)