Cupidity vs. Avarice — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 26, 2024
Cupidity is an intense desire for material wealth or possessions, often leading to unethical behavior, whereas avarice specifically denotes extreme greed for wealth or material gain.
Difference Between Cupidity and Avarice
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Cupidity often manifests as an overwhelming lust or desire for wealth and possessions, driving individuals to prioritize material gains over ethical considerations. Whereas avarice is characterized by an insatiable greed for money or assets, frequently leading to hoarding behavior and reluctance to spend or share.
Cupidity can sometimes be driven by a deep-seated emotional need or insecurity, making individuals excessively desire material wealth as a way to compensate. On the other hand, avarice is more about the accumulation and retention of wealth, often motivated by power or the fear of poverty.
People driven by cupidity might engage in reckless behaviors to acquire wealth quickly, such as gambling or high-risk investments. Whereas those driven by avarice tend to be more calculating and conservative in their financial dealings, focusing on steady accumulation.
In literary and historical contexts, cupidity is often depicted as a moral or ethical flaw, leading to downfall or tragedy. Avarice, meanwhile, is frequently portrayed as a corrosive trait that can corrupt societies and distort personal values.
Socially, cupidity might be seen in conspicuous consumption and the ostentatious display of wealth. Avarice, however, might manifest in behaviors that are more secretive, such as hiding assets or evading taxes.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Intense desire for wealth
Extreme greed for wealth
Behavioral manifestation
Often leads to unethical behavior
Characterized by hoarding and stinginess
Emotional motivation
Can stem from insecurity
Driven by fear of poverty or power
Typical behaviors
Reckless investment, gambling
Conservative financial dealings
Social perception
Seen in conspicuous consumption
Manifests in secrecy and asset hiding
Compare with Definitions
Cupidity
Intense desire for material wealth.
His cupidity drove him to gamble away his savings.
Avarice
Excessive or insatiable greed for wealth.
Avarice kept him from donating to any charitable cause.
Cupidity
Overwhelming material lust.
Her cupidity made her blind to ethical considerations.
Avarice
Hoarding of wealth and possessions.
His avarice was evident in his massive, untouched fortune.
Cupidity
A morally questionable craving for riches.
The play highlights the cupidity of its protagonist.
Avarice
Reluctance to spend or share wealth.
Avarice made him a miser despite his wealth.
Cupidity
Excessive material desire leading to reckless behavior.
Cupidity often leads to financial ruin.
Avarice
Greed driven by the fear of losing financial security.
His avarice was a shield against imagined future poverty.
Cupidity
Emotional drive towards wealth accumulation.
Her cupidity was rooted in her childhood poverty.
Avarice
Corrosive trait affecting personal and social values.
Historical figures have often fallen to their avarice.
Cupidity
Excessive desire, especially for wealth; covetousness or avarice.
Avarice
Extreme greed for wealth or material gain
He was rich beyond the dreams of avarice
Cupidity
Extreme greed, especially for wealth.
Avarice
Immoderate desire for wealth; cupidity.
Cupidity
A passionate desire; love.
Avarice
Excessive or inordinate desire of gain; greed for wealth
Cupidity
Eager or inordinate desire, especially for wealth; greed of gain; avarice; covetousness
With the feelings of political distrust were mingled those of cupidity and envy, as the Spaniard saw the fairest provinces of the south still in the hands of the accursed race of Ishmael.
Avarice
Inordinate desire for some supposed good.
Cupidity
Extreme greed for material wealth
Avarice
An excessive or inordinate desire of gain; greediness for wealth; covetousness; cupidity.
To desire money for its own sake, and in order to hoard it up, is avarice.
Avarice
An inordinate desire for some supposed good.
All are taught an avarice of praise.
Avarice
Reprehensible acquisitiveness; insatiable desire for wealth (personified as one of the deadly sins)
Avarice
Extreme greed for material wealth
Common Curiosities
What is cupidity?
It is an intense, often unethical desire for material wealth.
How does cupidity affect behavior?
It can lead to reckless financial decisions and unethical behavior.
What motivates avarice?
It is frequently motivated by power or a fear of poverty.
How are cupidity and avarice depicted in literature?
Both are typically shown as destructive traits leading to downfall.
Can cupidity be emotionally driven?
Yes, it often stems from insecurities or emotional needs.
How do people with avarice manage their wealth?
They tend to be conservative, focusing on accumulation and retention.
What characterizes avarice?
Avarice is defined by extreme greed and the hoarding of wealth.
What social behaviors might indicate cupidity?
Ostentatious displays of wealth and conspicuous consumption.
What might restrain someone with avarice from spending?
Fear of losing wealth or a desire to maintain power over others.
How is avarice viewed socially?
It is often seen negatively, associated with secrecy and stinginess.
What are the consequences of cupidity?
It can lead to personal and financial ruin if unchecked.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
