1
Core meaning
An extreme and selfish desire to acquire or possess wealth and material gain.
Example
The novel portrays avarice as the merchant's central flaw.
avarice
/ˈævərɪs/ · AV-uh-risnoun
An extreme and selfish desire to acquire or possess wealth and material gain.
Use avarice to express this relationship precisely: an extreme and selfish desire to acquire or possess wealth and material gain.
What avarice Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common noun frame
Use this noun in a complete noun phrase, adding the complement that identifies what it refers to when needed.
Example
Avarice led officials to divert public funds for private gain.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact concept matters; a related term may describe its cause, evidence, or opposite instead.
Example
The reform sought to restrain avarice without discouraging enterprise.
Use avarice Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The novel portrays avarice as the merchant's central flaw.
Avarice led officials to divert public funds for private gain.
The reform sought to restrain avarice without discouraging enterprise.
Precision Matters
Avarice overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
avarice
vs.Means an extreme and selfish desire to acquire or possess wealth and material gain.
hedonist
Means a person who treats pleasure and enjoyment as the chief goals of life.
avarice
vs.Means an extreme and selfish desire to acquire or possess wealth and material gain.
frugal
Means careful and economical in the use of money, materials, or resources.
avarice
vs.Means an extreme and selfish desire to acquire or possess wealth and material gain.
penurious
Means extremely poor or lacking money; also, excessively unwilling to spend it.
avarice
vs.Means an extreme and selfish desire to acquire or possess wealth and material gain.
benevolent
Means well-meaning, kindly, and inclined to help others.
Test avarice in Context
His behaviour shows extreme greed for wealth and possessions.
1
The official accumulated estates and jewels while the province suffered, revealing an extraordinary ___.