greedily
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adverb:
- In a greedy manner: Showing an excessive and selfish desire for something, especially wealth, food, or possessions, without consideration for others.
Usage
The adverb "greedily" is used to describe how an action is performed. It modifies verbs to indicate that the action is done with intense, often uncontrolled, eagerness to acquire or consume something. It typically carries a negative connotation of selfishness or lack of restraint.
Examples
- Modifying an action:
- He ate the cake greedily, not leaving a single crumb for anyone else.
- The investors greedily bought up all the available stock.
- Describing manner:
- She looked greedily at the jewelry displayed in the shop window.
- The child grabbed the toys greedily from the box.
Advanced Usage
- Figurative Use: Can describe an intense, often excessive, desire for non-material things like power, attention, or information.
- The reporter listened greedily to the scandalous details.
- He absorbed the knowledge greedily, reading every book he could find.
Variants and Related Words
- Greedy (adjective): Having or showing an intense, selfish desire for something.
- He was greedy for power.
- Greed (noun): The intense and selfish desire for something.
- His greed led to his downfall.
Synonyms
- Avariciously: In a manner showing extreme greed for wealth.
- Ravenously: With voracious hunger or eagerness (often for food).
- Voraciously: In a way that wants or consumes great amounts.
Antonyms
- Generously: In a manner showing a readiness to give more than is necessary.
- Moderately: In a reasonable, not excessive, manner.
- Abstemiously: In a sparing manner, especially in eating and drinking.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- "Eye something greedily": To look at something with a strong desire to possess it.
- The collector eyed the rare painting greedily.
- "Greedily devour": To eat something quickly and enthusiastically, often without manners.
- The wolves greedily devoured the prey.