Desire vs. Covet — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 27, 2024
Desire is a strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen, while covet implies a strong desire for something that belongs to someone else.
Difference Between Desire and Covet
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Desire is an emotional longing or hope for an object, outcome, or fulfillment. It can be positive, motivating individuals to achieve their goals, whereas covet often carries a negative connotation, suggesting a deep desire for something that is not rightfully one's own, leading to envy or resentment towards the person who possesses it.
Desire is broad and can be directed towards anything that one finds appealing, including non-material aspirations such as love, success, or happiness, while covet is specifically focused on material possessions or qualities observed in others, implying an unlawful or unethical longing for them.
While desire can be considered a fundamental human emotion that contributes to the richness of life and can be a driving force for personal growth, covetousness is seen as harmful, leading individuals away from contentment and towards potentially destructive behavior.
Desire can be expressed openly and is often discussed as a normal and healthy part of human psychology, encouraging individuals to pursue their passions and interests. On the other hand, to covet is to harbor a secret longing for what others have, often accompanied by a sense of jealousy and a lack of gratitude for what one already possesses.
In religious or ethical contexts, desire is acknowledged as a natural aspect of human condition that needs to be balanced with moral and social obligations. Conversely, covetousness is explicitly condemned in many religious teachings and moral codes as it fosters discontentment and unethical actions towards others.
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Comparison Chart
Connotation
Neutral or positive, depending on context
Generally negative
Focus
Broad, can apply to non-material or material aspirations
Specifically material possessions or qualities of others
Motivation
Can be a driving force for personal growth
Often leads to envy and resentment
Expression
Open and normal part of human discussions
Secretive and associated with jealousy
Ethical/Moral Stance
Neutral, depends on what is desired and how it is pursued
Generally considered unethical or morally wrong
Compare with Definitions
Desire
A wish or aspiration for something to happen or be the case.
His desire to become a doctor was motivated by his passion for helping others.
Covet
To desire wrongfully, inordinately, or without due regard for the rights of others.
He coveted his colleague's promotion, feeling it should have been his.
Desire
A strong feeling of wanting to achieve or obtain something.
She had a strong desire to travel the world and experience different cultures.
Covet
To have a strong or excessive desire for (something), especially if not entitled to it.
They coveted the wealth and status of the elite, disregarding their own fortunes.
Desire
A craving or yearning for something.
After a long day of work, she had a strong desire for a quiet evening at home.
Covet
To yearn to possess or have (something) that belongs to another person.
She coveted her neighbor's new car, even though her own car was perfectly fine.
Desire
An ambition or hope directed towards a specific goal.
His desire to win the championship drove him to train harder.
Covet
To wish for with envy.
She always coveted the easy confidence with which her sister navigated social situations.
Desire
Express a desire for
Covet
To desire something belonging to another with envy or jealousy.
He secretly coveted his friend's success in the music industry.
Desire
Desires are states of mind that are expressed by terms like "wanting", "wishing", "longing" or "craving". A great variety of features is commonly associated with desires.
Covet
Yearn to possess (something, especially something belonging to another)
I covet one of their smart bags
Desire
To wish or long for; want
A reporter who desires an interview.
A teen who desires to travel.
Covet
To feel strong or immoderate desire for (that which is another's).
Desire
To express a wish for; request.
Covet
To wish for (something) longingly.
Desire
The feeling of wanting to have something or wishing that something will happen.
Covet
To covet that which is another's.
Desire
An instance of this feeling
She had a lifelong desire to visit China.
Covet
(transitive) To wish for with eagerness; to desire possession of, often enviously.
Desire
An object of such feeling or passion
A quiet evening with you is my only desire.
Covet
(transitive) To long for inordinately or unlawfully; to hanker after (something forbidden).
Desire
(Archaic) A request or petition.
Covet
(intransitive) To yearn; to have or indulge an inordinate desire, especially for another's possession.
Desire
To want; to wish for earnestly.
I desire to speak with you.
Covet
To wish for with eagerness; to desire possession of; - used in a good sense.
Covet earnestly the best gifts.
If it be a sin to covet honor,I am the most offending soul alive.
Desire
To put a request to (someone); to entreat.
Covet
To long for inordinately or unlawfully; to hanker after (something forbidden).
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house.
Desire
To express a wish for; to entreat; to request.
Covet
To have or indulge inordinate desire.
Which [money] while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith.
Desire
To require; to demand; to claim.
Covet
Wish, long, or crave for (something, especially the property of another person);
She covets her sister's house
Desire
To miss; to regret.
Desire
(countable) Someone or something wished for.
It is my desire to speak with you.
You’re my heart’s desire.
Desire
(uncountable) The feeling of desiring; an eager longing for something.
Too much desire can seriously affect one’s judgment.
Desire
(uncountable) Motivation. en
Desire
To long for; to wish for earnestly; to covet.
Neither shall any man desire thy land.
Ye desire your child to live.
Desire
To express a wish for; to entreat; to request.
Then she said, Did I desire a son of my lord?
Desire him to go in; trouble him no more.
Desire
To require; to demand; to claim.
A doleful case desires a doleful song.
Desire
To miss; to regret.
She shall be pleasant while she lives, and desired when she dies.
Desire
The natural longing that is excited by the enjoyment or the thought of any good, and impels to action or effort its continuance or possession; an eager wish to obtain or enjoy.
Unspeakable desire to see and know.
Desire
An expressed wish; a request; petition.
And slowly was my mother broughtTo yield consent to my desire.
Desire
Anything which is desired; an object of longing.
The Desire of all nations shall come.
Desire
Excessive or morbid longing; lust; appetite.
Desire
Grief; regret.
Desire
The feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
Desire
An inclination to want things;
A man of many desires
Desire
Something that is desired
Desire
Feel or have a desire for; want strongly;
I want to go home now
I want my own room
Desire
Expect and wish;
I trust you will behave better from now on
I hope she understands that she cannot expect a raise
Common Curiosities
Can desire be considered a positive emotion?
Yes, desire can be positive, motivating individuals to achieve personal goals and aspirations.
Is it normal to experience both desire and covetous feelings?
While it's normal to experience desires, covetous feelings are discouraged in many ethical and religious teachings due to their negative impact on oneself and others.
Can the feeling of desire be controlled or suppressed?
While it's difficult to completely control desires, they can be managed through mindfulness, setting realistic goals, and focusing on personal growth.
What is the main difference between desire and covet?
Desire is a broad longing for something, positive or neutral in nature, while covet implies a wrongful or envious longing for something owned by someone else.
How do cultural perceptions of desire and covet vary?
Cultural perceptions can vary widely, but generally, desire is seen as a natural human emotion, while coveting is viewed more negatively.
Is there a healthy way to deal with desires?
Yes, pursuing desires in a balanced way that respects others' rights and contributes to personal and communal well-being is considered healthy.
How can one manage or redirect covetous feelings?
Focusing on gratitude for what one has and working towards personal goals can help redirect covetous feelings into more positive desires.
Why is coveting considered negative?
Coveting is seen as negative because it involves longing for something in a way that disregards the rights or feelings of others, often leading to envy or resentment.
Can desires be harmful?
Desires can become harmful if they lead to obsessive behaviors or if pursued at the expense of others' well-being.
Is coveting always related to material possessions?
Primarily, but it can also extend to qualities or statuses perceived in others that one wishes to possess.
How do desire and covet differ in their impact on personal growth?
Desire can be a motivator for personal growth, while covetousness often hinders it by fostering negative emotions and attitudes.
Why do religions often speak against covetousness?
Religions speak against covetousness because it fosters discontent, envy, and can lead to unethical behavior.
Can covetousness affect relationships?
Yes, covetousness can lead to jealousy and resentment, damaging relationships.
How does society view desire and covetousness?
Society generally views desire as a normal part of human experience but discourages covetousness due to its negative social and personal implications.
Is it possible to turn covetous feelings into positive actions?
Yes, by recognizing the feelings and focusing on personal growth and gratitude, one can channel the energy into more positive and productive pursuits.
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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.
