What is the primary meaning of 'covetousness' in crosswords?

In crosswords, 'covetousness' typically refers to an intense desire for something belonging to another, often manifesting as greed or envy. Common answers include AVARICE, GREED, or ENVY.

How can I distinguish between similar clues like 'greed' and 'covetousness'?

While related, 'covetousness' often implies a desire for what *others* possess, whereas 'greed' is a general intense desire for more, regardless of origin. Crossword setters might use surrounding words or letter counts to guide you to the precise answer. For instance, 'desire for another's wealth' points more strongly to covetousness.

Are there any biblical references for 'covetousness' often used in puzzles?

Yes, 'covetousness' is a significant concept in the Ten Commandments ('Thou shalt not covet...'). Crossword clues might hint at this by using phrases like 'Tenth Commandment sin' or 'Desire forbidden by Moses', leading to answers like ENVY or GREED.

covetousness crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "covetousness" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct solution.

Solutions for "covetousness crossword clue" by Letter Count

4 Letters

ENVY: A feeling of discontent or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck. Often interchangeable with covetousness in puzzles, especially when hinting at a desire for what others have.

5 Letters

GREED: Intense and selfish desire for something, especially wealth, power, or food. A very common synonym for covetousness in crossword contexts, focusing on the strong desire aspect.

7 Letters

AVARICE: Extreme greed for wealth or material gain. This word directly captures the essence of covetousness, particularly in financial or material contexts, and is a frequent crossword answer.

8 Letters

CUPIDITY: Greed for money or possessions. Similar to avarice, cupidity specifically denotes an excessive desire for material wealth, making it a strong contender for "covetousness" clues.

More About "covetousness crossword clue"

Covetousness, as a concept, refers to an intense or wrongful desire for something belonging to another. In crosswords, clues for this word often play on its various shades of meaning, from simple envy to profound avarice. Puzzles may use synonyms, biblical references (like "tenth commandment sin"), or phrases describing the act of wanting what isn't yours. Recognizing these subtle cues can help you pinpoint the exact answer from a list of possibilities.

The beauty of crossword puzzles lies in their ability to make you think about words from multiple angles. For "covetousness," consider not just its direct synonyms but also related vices or motivations. The letter count is always your most reliable hint, narrowing down the field of potential answers significantly. Always check the crossing letters to confirm your chosen word.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Analyze the Nuance: For words like "covetousness," consider if the clue implies a general desire (greed), a desire for *another's* possessions (envy), or specifically for wealth (avarice, cupidity). This can differentiate between potential answers of similar length.
Check Surrounding Clues: Sometimes, the answers to intersecting clues will give you the crucial letters needed to complete a tricky word like "covetousness." Don't be afraid to work on other parts of the puzzle first.
Consider Common Crossword Synonyms: Over time, you'll learn that certain abstract concepts have preferred crossword answers. Words like GREED, ENVY, and AVARICE are very common solutions for clues related to covetousness.
Look for Homophones or Puns: While less likely for a direct definition of "covetousness," always be alert for wordplay in clues, especially if a direct synonym isn't fitting.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How common is "covetousness" as a crossword clue?

While not an everyday word, "covetousness" is a moderately common clue, especially in more challenging or thematic puzzles, due to its various synonymous relationships (greed, envy, avarice) and its biblical significance.

What are the most common letter counts for "covetousness" answers?

The most common answers typically range from 4 to 8 letters, with words like ENVY (4), GREED (5), AVARICE (7), and CUPIDITY (8) being prime examples. The specific puzzle maker's style might also influence the choice.

Can "jealousy" be an answer for "covetousness"?

While closely related, "jealousy" (8 letters) often implies fear of losing something you have, or a resentment of another's advantage, whereas "covetousness" specifically refers to desiring something someone else possesses. Crossword setters usually differentiate between the two, but in some loose interpretations, it could appear.