Noun
/ a.βaˈɾi.θja / (in Spain) or / a.βaˈɾisja / (in Latin America)
Avaricia refers to an excessive desire for material wealth or gain, often at the expense of others. It embodies a sense of greed that is typically viewed negatively in many cultures. In the Spanish language, it is used to describe a characteristic of a person who prioritizes wealth over ethical or social considerations. Such usage is prevalent in both oral and written contexts, though it might appear more frequently in literature, discussions about ethics, and socio-economic discourses.
Translation: Avarice can lead to a person's downfall.
Muchos creen que la avaricia es el mayor de los pecados.
Translation: Many believe that greed is the greatest of sins.
El empresario fue criticado por su avaricia y falta de responsabilidad social.
The term avaricia is an important element in some idiomatic expressions and cultural reflections within the Spanish language. Here are a few expressions that incorporate the idea of avarice:
Meaning: This expression implies that excessive greed can lead to loss or ruin, suggesting that being too greedy can ultimately be detrimental.
"La avaricia es mala consejera."
Meaning: This saying suggests that allowing greed to influence decisions often leads to poor outcomes.
"El que tiene avaricia, nunca tiene suficiente."
Meaning: This reflects on the insatiable nature of greed; no matter how much one accumulates, it will never be sufficient.
"A la avaricia le sigue la soledad."
The word avaricia originates from the Latin term avaritia, which means "greed" or "covetousness." The Latin root avarius translates to "greedy." Through time, the term has maintained its negative connotation associated with insatiable desire.
Egoísmo (selfishness, although this is broader)
Antonyms:
In summary, avaricia is a commonly used noun in Spanish, richly embedded in social and literary discourse, with various expressions that underline its moral implications.