greedy
greedy
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "greedy" is /ˈɡriː.di/.
gree: /ˈɡriː/
dy: /di/
Word Form Variations
Adjective: greedy, greedier (comparative), greedest (superlative)
Noun: greed (singular, uncountable)
Adverb: greedily
Verb: (No direct verb form; 'greed' as a verb is archaic/rare)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective
Greedy
Having an excessive desire for food or drink.
Synonyms: gluttonous, ravenous, voracious, insatiable (for food)
Antonyms: abstemious, temperate, ascetic, moderate
Having an intense and selfish desire for wealth, power, or possessions.
Synonyms: avaricious, covetous, acquisitive, grasping, rapacious, selfish
Antonyms: generous, selfless, benevolent, altruistic, magnanimous
Noun
Greed
Intense and selfish desire for something, especially wealth, power, or food.
Synonyms: avarice, covetousness, gluttony, rapacity, cupidity
Antonyms: generosity, selflessness, benevolence, altruism, philanthropy
Adverb
Greedily
In a way that shows an excessive or selfish desire for something.
Synonyms: ravenously, voraciously, avariciously, rapaciously, selfishly
Antonyms: generously, selflessly, benevolently, altruistically
Examples of Use
Books
Children's Books: Many fables and moral tales feature a "greedy" character who learns a lesson about sharing or moderation. "The greedy fox tried to eat all the berries himself."
Fiction: Authors often portray villains or flawed characters as "greedy" for power or riches. "The king's greedy advisor sought to seize the throne."
Non-fiction (Economics/History): Books discussing financial crises or political corruption often highlight instances of "greedy" behavior. For instance, The Big Short by Michael Lewis describes the "greedy practices" that contributed to the 2008 financial crisis (W. W. Norton & Company, March 2010).
Newspapers
News Articles (Business/Politics): Journalists frequently report on accusations of "greedy" corporate behavior, excessive executive compensation, or politicians acting in a self-serving manner. "Critics denounce the CEO's greedy compensation package amidst company layoffs" (The Wall Street Journal, July 2025).
Editorials/Opinion Pieces: Columnists might argue that "greedy corporations" or "greedy consumers" contribute to societal problems.
Food Reviews: Sometimes, a restaurant review might describe someone as "greedy" for ordering too much food.
Online Publications
Business/Finance Blogs: Many blogs critique "greedy" practices in various industries or discuss the ethical implications of financial "greed." "Is the tech industry becoming too greedy?"
Social Media: Users often use "greedy" to describe companies or individuals perceived as taking too much, or humorously about their own food cravings. "I'm so greedy for that last slice of pizza!"
Environmental News: Articles might discuss how "greedy resource exploitation" impacts the environment.
Gaming Blogs: Discussions might revolve around game companies perceived as "greedy" for microtransactions.
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Movies/TV Shows: Villains are frequently characterized as "greedy" for power, wealth, or immortality. Characters might say, "Don't be so greedy!" or "His greedy ambition led to his downfall."
Children's Cartoons: Often feature "greedy" characters who learn lessons about sharing, similar to fables.
Documentaries: Documentaries on social issues or corporate ethics might expose "greedy" practices.
Video Games: Antagonists in games are often motivated by greed, seeking treasure or power. Players might encounter "greedy merchants."
Podcasts: Discussions on societal issues or historical events might analyze the role of "greedy individuals" or institutions.
General Public Discourse
Conversations: In daily speech, people commonly describe someone who takes more than their share as "greedy." "Don't be greedy; leave some for others." "He was so greedy with the last cookie."
Parenting: Parents teach children not to be "greedy" and to share.
Workplace: Colleagues might criticize a peer for being "greedy" in taking credit or resources.
Sports: A player might be criticized for being "greedy" with the ball, not passing to teammates.
Political Debates: Opponents might accuse each other of promoting "greedy policies."
10 Quotes Using Greedy
"The Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's needs, but not every man's greedy desires." (Mahatma Gandhi)
"When you are greedy, you get nothing." (Proverb)
"The love of money is the root of all evil. It often makes men greedy." (1 Timothy 6:10)
"The common people are always greedy for bread and circuses." (Juvenal, Satires)
"A greedy dog loses his bone." (Aesop's Fables)
"Those who are too greedy to share will often find themselves, in the end, with nothing."
"The relentless pursuit of more often makes a man greedy beyond all reason and contentment."
"A greedy mind always seeks to hoard and accumulate, never truly finding joy in giving."
"Sometimes, the simplest lesson in life is that being greedy ultimately brings only emptiness."
"Beware the silent hunger of ambition that makes a soul greedy for unchecked power."
Etymology
The word "greedy" comes from the Old English word "grǣdig," which meant "grasping," "hungry," or "desirous." It's related to the word "greadian," meaning "to prepare oneself eagerly."
The first known use of "greedy" in English, with the meaning of "having an eager desire for food," dates back to before the 9th century. It appeared in texts describing someone intensely hungry. Over time, its meaning expanded to include an excessive and selfish desire for wealth, power, or possessions, building on that original sense of intense craving.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Greedy
Greedy for power/money: Having an excessive desire for authority or wealth. "The dictator was greedy for power and control."
Greedy eyes: Looking at something with intense desire to possess it. "The child had greedy eyes for the last piece of cake."
Greedy gut/belly: A gluttonous person or a strong desire for food. "He called himself a greedy gut after eating too much."
Greedy hand: A hand reaching out to take more than its share. "His greedy hand snatched the last cookie."
Greedy like a pig: Extremely gluttonous or selfish. "He ate all the snacks, greedy like a pig."
Greedy algorithm: (Computer Science) An algorithm that makes the locally optimal choice at each stage with the hope of finding a global optimum. "The traveling salesman problem can be approximated by a greedy algorithm."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of greedy from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
