Adjective
/kodiˈθjoso/ (in Spain)
/kodiˈsjo̞so/ (in Latin America)
"Codicioso" is an adjective in Spanish that describes someone who has an excessive desire for wealth or possessions, often at the expense of others. It conveys a sense of insatiability or an eagerness to possess more than one needs. The term can be applied not only in financial contexts but can also refer to a strong desire for something non-material, such as status or recognition.
The word is relatively common in both oral and written contexts, though it may appear more frequently in literature, news articles, or discussions regarding morality and ethics.
La persona codiciosa nunca está satisfecha con lo que tiene.
The greedy person is never satisfied with what he has.
Su codicioso deseo de poder lo llevó a traicionar a sus amigos.
His covetous desire for power led him to betray his friends.
La codiciosa actitud de la empresa ha generado críticas entre los trabajadores.
The company's greedy attitude has generated criticism among the workers.
Though "codicioso" may not be directly incorporated into widely recognized idiomatic expressions, it can still appear in phrases or sentences reflecting moral judgment about greed.
El codicioso siempre se queda con las manos vacías.
The greedy one always ends up empty-handed.
Por codicioso, se le escapó la oportunidad de hacer amigos.
For being greedy, he lost the chance to make friends.
Ser codicioso es una forma de invitar la mala suerte.
Being greedy is a way to invite bad luck.
The word "codicioso" originates from the Latin "cupidus," meaning "eager" or "desirous," which is derived from the verb "cupid," meaning "to desire." Over time, the connotation shifted towards a negative meaning associated with excessive desire, particularly for material wealth.
This structure aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Spanish word “codicioso,” including its meaning, usage, idiomatic expressions, and more.