This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
French
Vocabulary
convoiteux

B1 adjective 10 min read

convoiteux

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips convoiteux in 30 Seconds

Explanation convoiteux in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'convoiteux' is a very difficult word that you probably won't use. It is much better to use the verb 'vouloir' (to want). If you want to say someone is greedy, you might say 'Il veut tout' (He wants everything). 'Convoiteux' is an adjective that describes a person who wants things that belong to others. Imagine a child looking at another child's toy with very big eyes—that is a 'convoiteux' look. However, for now, just focus on understanding that it means 'wanting something very much in a greedy way'. You don't need to use it in your own speaking yet.

At the A2 level, you can start to recognize 'convoiteux' in simple stories or descriptions. It's an adjective, so it describes a person or a look. For example, 'un homme convoiteux' is a man who wants many things. Remember the feminine form: 'une femme convoiteuse'. You might see this word in a fable about animals where one animal wants another animal's food. It is more formal than 'envieux' (envious). If you want to use it, try it with the word 'regard' (a look): 'Il a un regard convoiteux' means 'He has a greedy look'.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'convoiteux' to add more detail to your descriptions. Instead of just saying someone is 'méchant' (mean) or 'avide' (greedy), 'convoiteux' specifically describes the desire to possess something. It is very useful for describing characters in books or movies. You should know that it comes from the verb 'convoiter' (to covet). You can use it to describe a person's personality or a specific action. For example: 'Il est convoiteux de pouvoir' (He is covetous of power). Pay attention to the agreement of the adjective: 'Ils sont convoiteux' (plural).

At the B2 level, you should understand the nuance between 'convoiteux', 'envieux', and 'cupide'. 'Convoiteux' is often used in literary or formal contexts to describe a predatory type of desire. It's not just about wanting something; it's about the intensity and the moral aspect of that wanting. You might use it in an essay to analyze a character's motivations or to describe a company's aggressive strategy in the market. You should be comfortable using it in both masculine and feminine forms and recognizing it in complex texts like newspaper editorials or classical literature.

At the C1 level, you should appreciate the stylistic weight of 'convoiteux'. It is a word that can change the tone of a sentence from simple description to moral judgment. You can use it to discuss complex human emotions and social behaviors. For example, you might talk about 'la société convoiteuse' to describe a consumerist society that always wants more. You should also be aware of its occasional use in a sensual or lustful context in romantic literature. Using this word correctly shows a high level of vocabulary and an understanding of French literary traditions.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'convoiteux' and all its connotations. You can use it with precision in academic writing, literary criticism, or high-level diplomacy. You understand its historical roots and how it relates to the concept of 'la convoitise' in French philosophy. You can use it to create subtle shades of meaning, perhaps contrasting a 'regard convoiteux' with an 'admiration désintéressée'. At this level, the word is a tool for expressing deep insights into the human condition and the nature of desire itself.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

convoiteux in 30 Seconds

Convoiteux means 'covetous' or 'greedy' for things belonging to others.
It is a formal/literary adjective with masculine (convoiteux) and feminine (convoiteuse) forms.
Commonly paired with 'regard' (look) to describe a greedy expression.
Carries a negative moral weight, suggesting a predatory or excessive desire.

The French adjective convoiteux is a sophisticated term that captures the essence of intense, often illicit or excessive, desire. At its core, it describes a person who looks upon something—be it an object, a status, or even another person—with a deep-seated longing to possess it. Unlike the simple verb 'vouloir' (to want), convoiteux carries a heavy moral and emotional weight, suggesting a greed that might overstep boundaries. It is the linguistic embodiment of the 'covetous' nature described in classical literature and moral philosophy. When you describe someone as convoiteux, you are not merely saying they have goals; you are suggesting that their desire is perhaps a bit too sharp, a bit too hungry, and potentially directed at things that do not belong to them. This word is frequently used in literary contexts, psychological character studies, and formal discussions about human behavior and ethics.

Semantic Nuance: It suggests an active, reaching desire rather than a passive envy. A convoiteux individual is often depicted as someone whose eyes linger a second too long on a prize.

L'homme d'affaires jetait un regard convoiteux sur les parts de marché de son concurrent, rêvant déjà d'une fusion forcée.

Historically, the word is tied to the concept of 'convoitise' (covetousness), one of the traditional vices. In a social context, being called convoiteux is rarely a compliment; it implies a lack of contentment and a predatory instinct toward the possessions or achievements of others. You might hear it in a documentary about historical kings vying for territory, or in a novel describing a character's internal struggle with greed. It is a word of observation—describing a look, a gesture, or a mindset that betrays a hidden, grasping ambition. The feminine form is convoiteuse, and it follows the standard rules for adjectives ending in -eux. Whether used to describe a 'regard' (a look) or an 'esprit' (a mind), it consistently points toward a desire that is restless and acquisitive.

Elle n'était pas méchante, mais son tempérament convoiteux la poussait à toujours comparer sa vie à celle des autres.

Register: Formal to Literary. It is rarely used in casual slang but is essential for reading French classics or high-level journalism.

Furthermore, convoiteux can sometimes carry a sensual or lustful connotation, though this is secondary to the primary meaning of material or status-based greed. In romantic literature, a 'regard convoiteux' might be directed at a person, indicating a desire that is more about possession than affection. This multi-faceted nature makes it a powerful tool for writers who wish to paint a complex picture of human longing. It bridges the gap between the physical act of wanting and the psychological state of being unsatisfied. When analyzing a character in a French play or novel, identifying them as convoiteux provides an immediate window into their motivations: they are driven by what they lack, and their actions will likely be dictated by the pursuit of filling that void at any cost.

Using convoiteux correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical behavior and its typical pairings. As an adjective, it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. The masculine singular is convoiteux, the feminine singular is convoiteuse, the masculine plural remains convoiteux, and the feminine plural is convoiteuses. It is most commonly used in the structure '[Noun] + [convoiteux]', appearing after the noun it describes. For example, 'un homme convoiteux' or 'une attitude convoiteuse'. It can also be used with the preposition 'de' when specifying the object of the desire, although this is more frequently seen with the related adjective 'avide'.

The 'Regard' Pairing: By far the most common collocation is with 'un regard'. To have a 'regard convoiteux' is to look at something with visible longing or greed.

Devant la vitrine du bijoutier, l'enfant posait un œil convoiteux sur la montre en or.

When applying convoiteux to abstract concepts, it emphasizes a predatory ambition. If you describe a politician as having a 'tempérament convoiteux', you are implying they are hungry for power and perhaps not very scrupulous about how they obtain it. It is also useful in describing competitive environments. In a corporate setting, a company might be described as 'convoiteuse des brevets de sa rivale' (covetous of its rival's patents). This usage highlights the strategic, almost aggressive nature of the desire. Unlike 'jaloux' (jealous), which focuses on the fear of losing something or resentment toward another's success, convoiteux focuses on the active wish to acquire that success for oneself.

Leurs mains convoiteuses semblaient déjà palper les richesses promises par le vieux grimoire.

In literary descriptions, convoiteux often appears in pairs with other adjectives to deepen the characterization. A writer might describe a villain as 'maigre et convoiteux', creating a visual of someone whose physical hunger mirrors their spiritual greed. It can also be used as a substantive (a noun), 'le convoiteux', to refer to 'the covetous man', though this is quite archaic and mostly found in fables or religious texts. In modern usage, stick to its function as an adjective to modify nouns related to sight, personality, or action. It provides a level of precision that helps distinguish between simple wanting and a more profound, character-defining greed.

Agreement Table: Masculine: convoiteux | Feminine: convoiteuse | Masc. Plural: convoiteux | Fem. Plural: convoiteuses

You are most likely to encounter convoiteux in written French rather than in a casual conversation at a café. It is a staple of French literature, from the classical works of Molière and Balzac to contemporary psychological thrillers. In these contexts, authors use the word to peel back the layers of a character's psyche, revealing a hidden motive of greed. If you are watching a period drama or a film adaptation of a French classic, pay close attention to scenes involving inheritance, social climbing, or betrayal—this is where convoiteux often makes its appearance in the dialogue.

Dans les romans de Balzac, Paris est souvent décrite comme une ville convoiteuse qui dévore les ambitions des jeunes provinciaux.

Beyond literature, the word finds a home in high-level journalism and editorial writing. When a French newspaper like Le Monde or Le Figaro analyzes geopolitical tensions or corporate takeovers, they might describe a nation or a CEO as being convoiteux of certain resources or territories. It elevates the tone of the critique, suggesting that the desire is not just a policy choice but a fundamental, perhaps even dangerous, trait of the entity in question. You might also find it in art criticism, describing the way a collector looks at a rare masterpiece, or in historical documentaries discussing the motivations of conquistadors or colonial powers.

Academic Contexts: In philosophy or theology classes, the word is used to discuss the 'nature convoiteuse' of man, often in the context of ethics and the suppression of desire.

While rare in the streets, you might hear a more 'intellectual' speaker use it to add dramatic flair to a story. For instance, if someone is describing a particularly greedy relative during a family dispute over a will, they might say, 'Il avait ce regard si convoiteux que ça en était effrayant.' Here, the word is used for its descriptive power, painting a vivid picture that 'avide' (greedy) wouldn't quite capture. In summary, convoiteux is a word for the observer, the critic, and the storyteller. It is a word that demands attention and signals that the speaker is moving beyond simple descriptions into the realm of character analysis and moral judgment.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with convoiteux is confusing it with its close relatives: envieux (envious) and avide (greedy/avid). While they share a semantic field, they are not interchangeable. Envieux describes the feeling of resentment because someone else has something you want. Convoiteux, however, describes the active desire to take or possess that thing. You can be 'envieux' of someone's talent (you wish you had it too), but you are 'convoiteux' of their car (you want that specific car for yourself). Understanding this distinction is key to using the word with the precision native speakers expect.

Convoiteux vs. Avide: 'Avide' is more general and can be positive ('avide de savoir' - eager for knowledge). 'Convoiteux' is almost always negative or at least suspicious.

Incorrect: Il est convoiteux de lire ce livre. (Use 'désireux' or 'pressé' instead).
Correct: Il a jeté un regard convoiteux sur le livre rare.

Another common error is using convoiteux as a verb. The verb is convoiter. You cannot say 'Je convoiteux ce poste'; you must say 'Je convoite ce poste' (I covet this position) or 'Je suis convoiteux de ce poste' (though the latter is quite formal and less common). Furthermore, because it is a B1/B2 level word, using it in a very casual or slangy context can sound strange, like using 'thou' in a modern English conversation. It’s important to match the word to the register of your speech. Using it in a text message to a friend about a pizza might sound overly dramatic—unless you’re being intentionally funny!

Preposition Pitfall: Learners often forget that when 'convoiteux' is followed by a noun, it usually needs 'de'. Example: 'convoiteux de richesses'. However, it is most powerful as a standalone adjective modifying a noun like 'regard'.

To truly master convoiteux, you must see where it fits in the constellation of French words for 'wanting'. Depending on the intensity and the object of desire, you might choose a different term. Avide is a very close synonym, but it implies a hunger that is almost physical—one can be 'avide de gloire' (greedy for glory) or 'avide de nourriture' (greedy for food). Cupide is specifically focused on money and material wealth; it is the word for 'avaricious'. If someone is only interested in financial gain, cupide is the more precise choice.

Convoiteux vs. Cupide: 'Cupide' = Money focus. 'Convoiteux' = General possession focus (objects, status, people).
Convoiteux vs. Envieux: 'Envieux' = Resenting others. 'Convoiteux' = Wanting to take for oneself.

Plutôt que d'être convoiteux, essayez d'être reconnaissant pour ce que vous possédez déjà.

If you want a more positive or neutral alternative, consider désireux (desirous/eager). 'Je suis désireux de vous rencontrer' is polite and professional, whereas using convoiteux there would sound predatory and bizarre. Another alternative is ambitieux (ambitious). While convoiteux suggests wanting what others have, ambitieux suggests wanting to achieve great things through effort. In a job interview, you want to be 'ambitieux', never 'convoiteux'. Finally, for a very strong, almost violent desire, the word acharné can be used, though it more often describes the intensity of an action (like 'un travail acharné').

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word is a linguistic cousin of 'Cupid', the Roman god of love. While Cupid represents romantic desire, 'convoiteux' has evolved to represent a more material or illicit greed.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kɔ̃.vwa.tø/

US /kɔ̃.vwa.tø/

In French, stress is generally even, but a slight emphasis is placed on the final syllable: con-voi-TEUX.

Rhymes With

heureux malheureux dangereux généreux peureux hideux mielleux pieux

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'x' (it is silent).
Making the 'on' sound too much like 'on' in 'onward' (it should be nasal).
Pronouncing the 'oi' as 'oy' instead of 'wa'.
Confusing the 'eu' sound with 'oo' or 'ee'.
Pronouncing the 'n' distinctly instead of nasally.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in literature and newspapers, requires recognizing the -eux/-euse ending.

Writing 6/5

Requires correct agreement and understanding of the formal register.

Speaking 7/5

Pronunciation of the nasal 'on' and the 'eu' sound can be challenging for beginners.

Listening 5/5

Easily confused with other words ending in -eux if not listening carefully.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

vouloir désir regard avide jaloux

Learn Next

cupidité avarice convoitise ambitionner spolier

Advanced

concupiscence avidité thésauriser mercantile vénal

Grammar to Know

Adjective agreement for -eux ending

Heureux/Heureuse, Convoiteux/Convoiteuse.

Nasal vowels (on)

Con-voi-teux, comme dans 'bon' ou 'maison'.

Position of adjectives

Usually after the noun: 'Un homme convoiteux'.

Preposition 'de' with adjectives of desire

Il est convoiteux de richesses.

Silent final consonants

The 'x' in 'convoiteux' is silent.

Examples by Level

Le petit garçon est convoiteux.

The little boy is covetous.

Adjective follows the verb 'être'.

Elle a un regard convoiteux.

She has a covetous look.

Adjective agrees with the masculine noun 'regard'.

Il n'est pas convoiteux.

He is not covetous.

Negative structure with 'ne...pas'.

C'est un chat convoiteux.

It is a covetous cat.

Adjective modifying 'chat'.

Ils sont très convoiteux.

They are very covetous.

Plural masculine form remains 'convoiteux'.

Ma sœur est convoiteuse.

My sister is covetous.

Feminine singular form 'convoiteuse'.

Le roi est un homme convoiteux.

The king is a covetous man.

Adjective modifying 'homme'.

Ne sois pas convoiteux !

Don't be covetous!

Imperative mood.

Il regarde le gâteau d'un œil convoiteux.

He looks at the cake with a covetous eye.

Using 'd'un œil' + adjective.

La reine était très convoiteuse de bijoux.

The queen was very covetous of jewelry.

Feminine agreement.

Ces enfants sont convoiteux de jouets.

These children are covetous of toys.

Plural masculine agreement.

Elle a une nature convoiteuse.

She has a covetous nature.

Adjective modifying 'nature' (feminine).

Le loup convoiteux voulait le dîner du renard.

The covetous wolf wanted the fox's dinner.

Adjective in a narrative context.

Il n'aime pas les gens convoiteux.

He doesn't like covetous people.

Plural adjective.

C'est un désir convoiteux et méchant.

It is a covetous and mean desire.

Multiple adjectives.

Pourquoi es-tu si convoiteux aujourd'hui ?

Why are you so covetous today?

Interrogative sentence.

L'investisseur jetait un regard convoiteux sur la petite entreprise.

The investor cast a covetous look at the small company.

Common collocation 'jeter un regard'.

Elle est devenue convoiteuse après avoir vu la fortune de sa voisine.

She became covetous after seeing her neighbor's fortune.

Feminine adjective after 'devenir'.

Le tempérament convoiteux de ce ministre est bien connu.

This minister's covetous temperament is well known.

Noun phrase as subject.

Il ne faut pas avoir l'esprit convoiteux pour être heureux.

One must not have a covetous mind to be happy.

Abstract noun modification.

Ses mains convoiteuses tremblaient devant l'or.

His covetous hands trembled before the gold.

Feminine plural agreement.

Il est resté silencieux, mais son regard était convoiteux.

He remained silent, but his look was covetous.

Contrastive sentence structure.

La ville semblait convoiteuse de nouvelles terres.

The city seemed covetous of new lands.

Personification.

C'est un sentiment convoiteux qui le ronge.

It is a covetous feeling that is gnawing at him.

Relative clause.

L'ambition, quand elle devient convoiteuse, peut mener à la ruine.

Ambition, when it becomes covetous, can lead to ruin.

Subordinate clause.

Il observait la scène avec une curiosité presque convoiteuse.

He observed the scene with an almost covetous curiosity.

Adverbial phrase of manner.

Les puissances coloniales étaient souvent convoiteuses des ressources naturelles.

Colonial powers were often covetous of natural resources.

Historical context.

Elle luttait contre ses penchants convoiteux pour rester honnête.

She struggled against her covetous leanings to stay honest.

Plural masculine agreement.

Ce regard convoiteux trahissait ses véritables intentions.

That covetous look betrayed his true intentions.

Subject of the verb 'trahir'.

Rien n'est plus dangereux qu'un partenaire commercial convoiteux.

Nothing is more dangerous than a covetous business partner.

Comparative structure.

Son attitude convoiteuse a fini par éloigner tous ses amis.

His covetous attitude ended up driving away all his friends.

Cause and effect.

Il est convoiteux non seulement d'argent, mais aussi de reconnaissance.

He is covetous not only of money, but also of recognition.

Correlative conjunction 'non seulement... mais aussi'.

L'esthétique de ce film souligne le caractère convoiteux de la haute société.

The aesthetics of this film highlight the covetous character of high society.

Analytical context.

Sous son air affable se cachait un esprit profondément convoiteux.

Beneath his affable air was hidden a deeply covetous mind.

Inversion of subject and verb.

La littérature du XIXe siècle regorge de personnages convoiteux et calculateurs.

19th-century literature is full of covetous and calculating characters.

Literary reference.

Elle jeta sur la parure un regard d'une intensité convoiteuse effrayante.

She cast upon the finery a look of frighteningly covetous intensity.

Complex noun phrase.

Le marché est devenu une arène où s'affrontent des intérêts convoiteux.

The market has become an arena where covetous interests clash.

Metaphorical usage.

Il est difficile de ne pas être convoiteux dans un monde qui prône la consommation.

It is difficult not to be covetous in a world that advocates consumption.

Impersonal 'il est' + infinitive.

Sa main, devenue convoiteuse par l'habitude du gain, ne savait plus donner.

His hand, having become covetous through the habit of gain, no longer knew how to give.

Past participle used as an adjective phrase.

L'éclat de l'or éveillait en lui des instincts convoiteux qu'il croyait enfouis.

The glint of gold awakened in him covetous instincts he thought buried.

Psychological description.

L'ontologie du désir humain est intrinsèquement liée à une pulsion convoiteuse.

The ontology of human desire is intrinsically linked to a covetous impulse.

Philosophical register.

Le texte dépeint une aristocratie déclinante, à la fois lasse et convoiteuse.

The text depicts a declining aristocracy, at once weary and covetous.

Paired adjectives with 'à la fois... et'.

Par un glissement sémantique, le terme 'convoiteux' a acquis une charge morale indélébile.

Through a semantic shift, the term 'convoiteux' has acquired an indelible moral charge.

Linguistic analysis.

Nul n'est plus asservi que celui dont l'âme est devenue convoiteuse de l'éphémère.

None is more enslaved than he whose soul has become covetous of the ephemeral.

Sophisticated syntax with 'nul n'est... que'.

L'œuvre explore la dialectique entre l'être et l'avoir, à travers le prisme de l'œil convoiteux.

The work explores the dialectic between being and having, through the prism of the covetous eye.

Academic discourse.

Sa prose, riche et sinueuse, traque les moindres tressaillements d'un cœur convoiteux.

His prose, rich and sinuous, tracks the slightest tremors of a covetous heart.

Literary criticism.

Il s'agit d'une appropriation convoiteuse de l'espace public par des intérêts privés.

It is a covetous appropriation of public space by private interests.

Political/Social critique.

La convoitise, en tant que moteur de l'action, rend le sujet perpétuellement convoiteux et insatisfait.

Covetousness, as a driver of action, makes the subject perpetually covetous and dissatisfied.

Complex sentence with apposition.

Common Collocations

regard convoiteux

œil convoiteux

nature convoiteuse

esprit convoiteux

mains convoiteuses

tempérament convoiteux

désir convoiteux

attitude convoiteuse

regard d'une intensité convoiteuse

instincts convoiteux

Common Phrases

D'un œil convoiteux

— Looking at something with greed or strong desire.

Il observait la voiture d'un œil convoiteux.

Être convoiteux de

— To be covetous of something specific (very formal).

Il est convoiteux de la place de son chef.

Un cœur convoiteux

— A heart filled with greedy desires.

Un cœur convoiteux n'est jamais rempli.

Rendre convoiteux

— To make someone feel greedy or desirous.

La richesse des autres le rend convoiteux.

N'être point convoiteux

— To not be covetous at all (literary/archaic).

Il n'était point convoiteux des biens d'autrui.

Un geste convoiteux

— A movement that betrays greed.

Il fit un geste convoiteux vers le coffre.

Une âme convoiteuse

— A soul driven by material or worldly desires.

Une âme convoiteuse se perd dans le luxe.

Le péché convoiteux

— Referring to covetousness as a sin.

Éviter le péché convoiteux.

Regarder d'un air convoiteux

— To look with a covetous air.

Elle regardait la robe d'un air convoiteux.

L'appétit convoiteux

— A greedy appetite (often metaphorical).

Un appétit convoiteux pour le succès.

Often Confused With

convoiteux vs convoité

Convoité means 'coveted' (the thing being wanted), while convoiteux means 'covetous' (the person wanting it).

convoiteux vs avide

Avide is more general greed; convoiteux is specifically about wanting what belongs to others.

convoiteux vs envieux

Envieux is feeling bad because of others' success; convoiteux is wanting to take that success.

Idioms & Expressions

"Avoir les yeux plus gros que le ventre"

— To be more greedy than one can handle (related to greed).

En étant si convoiteux, il a eu les yeux plus gros que le ventre.

Informal

"Manger quelqu'un des yeux"

— To look at someone with intense desire (often lustful/convoiteux).

Il la mangeait des yeux d'un air convoiteux.

Neutral

"Couver quelque chose du regard"

— To look at something with great desire or protection.

Il couvait le trophée d'un regard convoiteux.

Literary

"L'argent n'a pas d'odeur"

— Money is money, no matter how it's obtained (often a justification for a convoiteux person).

Pour cet homme convoiteux, l'argent n'a pas d'odeur.

Neutral

"Vendre la peau de l'ours avant de l'avoir tué"

— To count on something before you have it (often due to being convoiteux).

Ne sois pas si convoiteux, tu vends la peau de l'ours...

Informal

"Promettre monts et merveilles"

— To promise the world (often to satisfy someone convoiteux).

Il lui a promis monts et merveilles pour calmer son esprit convoiteux.

Neutral

"Toucher avec les yeux"

— To look intensely at something you want to touch/possess.

Il touchait les bijoux avec ses yeux convoiteux.

Informal

"Brûler d'envie"

— To burn with desire/envy.

Il brûlait d'envie, son regard était devenu tout à fait convoiteux.

Neutral

"Faire les yeux doux"

— To look at someone/something invitingly (sometimes to get something).

Elle faisait les yeux doux à l'héritage convoiteux.

Informal

"Mettre le grappin sur"

— To get one's hands on something (the goal of the convoiteux).

Il espère mettre le grappin sur ce terrain convoiteux.

Informal

Easily Confused

convoiteux vs Envieux

Both involve wanting something someone else has.

Envieux focuses on the feeling of resentment or sadness. Convoiteux focuses on the active, greedy desire to possess the object.

Je suis envieux de son talent (I wish I had it), mais il est convoiteux de ma maison (he wants to own my house).

convoiteux vs Avide

Both mean greedy.

Avide can be neutral or even positive (avide de savoir). Convoiteux is almost always negative and implies a predatory desire.

Un lecteur avide (eager reader) vs. Un regard convoiteux (greedy look).

convoiteux vs Cupide

Both relate to greed.

Cupide is strictly about money and wealth. Convoiteux can be about anything: power, objects, people, or status.

L'oncle cupide ne pense qu'à l'héritage.

convoiteux vs Jaloux

They both involve desire and others.

Jaloux is the fear of losing what you have or resentment for what others have. Convoiteux is the desire to acquire what you don't have.

Il est jaloux de sa femme (fear of loss) vs. Il est convoiteux de la femme de son voisin (desire to possess).

convoiteux vs Désireux

Both mean 'desirous'.

Désireux is a polite, neutral way to express a wish. Convoiteux is a strong, morally weighted word for greed.

Je suis désireux de vous aider (I want to help you).

Sentence Patterns

Sujet + être + convoiteux.

Il est convoiteux.

Sujet + avoir + un regard + convoiteux.

Elle a un regard convoiteux.

Sujet + regarder + quelque chose + d'un œil + convoiteux.

Il regarde l'or d'un œil convoiteux.

Sujet + être + convoiteux + de + [Nom].

Il est convoiteux de pouvoir.

Sujet + se montrer + convoiteux.

Le voisin se montre convoiteux.

C'est + [Nom] + convoiteux + qui + [Verbe].

C'est son esprit convoiteux qui le pousse à voler.

Sujet + trahir + un penchant + convoiteux.

Il trahit un penchant convoiteux.

Par + [Nom], le sujet + devient + convoiteux.

Par habitude, il devient convoiteux.

Word Family

Nouns

convoitise (covetousness/greed)

Verbs

convoiter (to covet/to lust after)

Adjectives

convoité (coveted/desired)

cupidité

avarice

désir

envie

possession

How to Use It

frequency

Moderate (Common in text, rare in speech)

Common Mistakes

Il est convoiteux pour l'argent. → Il est convoiteux d'argent.
The preposition 'de' (or 'd'') is used with 'convoiteux', not 'pour'.
Elle est très convoiteux. → Elle est très convoiteuse.
Adjectives must agree with the subject's gender. 'Elle' is feminine, so use 'convoiteuse'.
Ils sont convoiteuxs. → Ils sont convoiteux.
Adjectives ending in 'x' do not add an 's' in the masculine plural form.
Je convoiteux ce bijou. → Je convoite ce bijou.
'Convoiteux' is an adjective, not a verb. The verb is 'convoiter'.
Un regard convoiteuse. → Un regard convoiteux.
'Regard' is a masculine noun, so the adjective must be in the masculine form.

Tips

The Covetous Convict

Imagine a convict (con-) looking through the bars at a convoy (-voi-) of gold trucks. He is 'convoiteux' of the gold. This helps you remember the first two syllables and the meaning.

Silent X

Always remember that the 'x' in masculine adjectives ending in -eux is silent. It's a common mistake for English speakers to try and pronounce it. Think of 'heureux' or 'dangereux'.

The 'Regard' Rule

If you are unsure how to use the word, pair it with 'regard'. 'Un regard convoiteux' is a very natural and common phrase that you can use in almost any descriptive writing.

Avoid Overuse

Because it's a strong word, don't use it for small things. Use it for big desires like power, money, or significant objects to maintain its impact.

Literary Flair

Use 'convoiteux' when you want to sound more like a French novelist. It's a 'show, don't tell' word that paints a picture of a character's internal greed.

Watch the Gender

Since 'convoiteux' often describes 'nature' or 'attitude' (both feminine), make sure you practice saying 'convoiteuse' just as much as 'convoiteux'.

Avide vs Convoiteux

If the desire is more like a hunger, use 'avide'. If the desire is more like wanting to own something specifically, use 'convoiteux'.

Cultural Weight

Remember that this word carries a moral sting. Calling someone 'convoiteux' is a serious observation of their character in French culture.

Nasal 'On'

Practice the nasal 'on' at the start. It shouldn't sound like 'con' in 'contact' but more like 'on' in 'song' (without the 'ng' sound).

Spot the Root

When you see 'convoit...', you know it's about desire. This root is very consistent in French (convoiter, convoitise, convoité).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'CON-VOI-TEUX'. A 'CON'vict 'VOI'ces (voices) his 'TEUX' (tough) desire for freedom. He is 'convoiteux' of the keys.

Visual Association

Imagine a pair of glowing, green eyes (envy/greed) looking through a window at a pile of gold coins.

Word Web

Cupid Covet Greed Eyes Want Possess Jealousy Ambition

Challenge

Try to describe three things you are NOT 'convoiteux' of using the phrase: 'Je ne suis pas convoiteux de...'

Word Origin

Derived from the Old French verb 'convoiter', which comes from the Vulgar Latin '*cupiditāre'.

Original meaning: To desire strongly, often with a sense of longing for something forbidden or belonging to another.

Romance (Latin root *cupidus*, meaning 'desirous').

Cultural Context

Be careful when using this word to describe people directly, as it is quite insulting and implies a deep moral failing.

The English 'covetous' is a direct cognate but feels even more archaic than 'convoiteux' does in French.

The Tenth Commandment in French: 'Tu ne convoiteras point...' Characters in Balzac's 'La Comédie humaine' Molière's 'L'Avare' (The Miser) - though the word 'avare' is used, the character's nature is 'convoiteuse'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Literature

un personnage convoiteux
la convoitise du gain
un regard plein de convoitise
l'objet convoité

Business

convoiteux de parts de marché
une OPA convoiteuse
stratégie convoiteuse
intérêts convoiteux

Relationships

un regard convoiteux
être convoiteux de l'attention
une jalousie convoiteuse
désir convoiteux

Religion/Ethics

le vice convoiteux
ne pas être convoiteux
l'âme convoiteuse
les biens convoités

Daily Life

un air convoiteux
être convoiteux de nourriture
regarder d'un œil convoiteux
ne fais pas le convoiteux

Conversation Starters

"Penses-tu que l'être humain est naturellement convoiteux ?"

"As-tu déjà jeté un regard convoiteux sur quelque chose dans un magasin ?"

"Connais-tu un personnage de film qui est particulièrement convoiteux ?"

"Est-ce qu'être convoiteux est toujours une mauvaise chose en affaires ?"

"Comment peut-on arrêter d'être convoiteux et être plus satisfait ?"

Journal Prompts

Décrivez une situation où vous avez ressenti un désir convoiteux pour quelque chose. Comment avez-vous géré ce sentiment ?

Analysez un personnage littéraire français (comme Harpagon dans L'Avare) et expliquez en quoi il est convoiteux.

La publicité nous rend-elle plus convoiteux ? Argumentez votre réponse.

Imaginez un dialogue entre une personne généreuse et une personne convoiteuse.

Que signifie pour vous 'avoir un regard convoiteux' sur la vie des autres ?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it's not very common in daily conversation. You'll mostly find it in books, newspapers, or formal speeches. In daily life, people use 'avide' or just say 'il veut tout'.

You don't! The 'x' is silent in 'convoiteux'. It sounds like 'con-vwa-tuh'.

'Convoitise' is the noun (covetousness/greed), and 'convoiteux' is the adjective (covetous/greedy).

Yes, but it sounds very dramatic. 'Il regarde mon gâteau d'un air convoiteux' implies he really, really wants it in a slightly creepy way.

Almost never. It usually implies a greedy or illicit desire. For positive desire, use 'enthousiaste' or 'désireux'.

It is 'convoiteux de'. For example: 'Il est convoiteux de gloire'.

The feminine plural is 'convoiteuses'. For example: 'Des intentions convoiteuses'.

Yes! They both come from the Latin root for desire. Cupid is the god of desire, and 'convoiteux' is the adjective for it.

Yes, in business journalism, a company can be 'convoiteuse' of another company's assets.

Yes, much more formal and it has a different meaning (wanting to take vs. being afraid to lose).