Cupidity

Noun

Definition: Greed for money or possessions.

Synonyms: Avarice, Greed, Covetousness

Antonyms: Contentment, Generosity

Examples:

His unbridled cupidity led him to engage in unethical business practices.
The company's cupidity drove them to exploit their workers for higher profits.

Mnemonics:

Cupidity can be thought of as 'cupidity for cups of gold', representing an excessive desire for wealth.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word cupidity is derived from the Latin word 'cupiditas', meaning desire or longing.

Historical Usage:

The term emerged from the Middle English period, primarily associated with excessive desire for wealth and possessions.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Cupidity is often confused with ambition or aspiration.

Explanation:

While ambition may involve a strong desire for success or achievement, cupidity specifically refers to an excessive or greedy desire for material wealth or possessions.