avarice
/ˈævərɪs/ IELTSAcademic
noun
An intense desire to gain wealth or possessions, often ignoring ethics or others' needs. It suggests selfish greed rather than simple financial caution. Unlike frugality, it pushes people to take excessive risks or exploit others. It differs from ambition because it focuses on hoarding rather than achievement. Use it when you want to highlight harmful greed, not just careful saving. In writing, choose avarice for a strong moral judgment rather than neutral terms like desire for money.
- Greed for power drove his avarice.
- His avarice made him dishonest.
Adinary Nuance
Near-neighbors: avarice is stronger than greed and more formal than desire for money; it stresses selfish hoarding. Unlike frugality, it ignores ethical limits. Choose avarice when you need a precise, morally critical term rather than a mild synonym.
In other languages
- Spanish
- Avaricia
- Japanese
- 貪欲
- Korean
- 탐욕
- Vietnamese
- Ham muốn có của
- Chinese
- 贪婪
Common phrases
in avaricedrive avariceconsumed by avarice
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is avarice formal or informal?
- Is avarice formal or informal?
- What's the difference between avarice and greed?
- What's the difference between avarice and greed?
- Can avarice describe a company’s goals?
- Can avarice describe a company’s goals?
- Is avarice used in business writing?
- Is avarice used in business writing?