avarice
Noun
Hard difficulty
What does “avarice” mean?
noun.extreme greed for wealth or material gain.
SAT Usage
The term often appears in passages discussing themes of morality, ethics, or social critique, particularly in the context of capitalism or human behavior. It emphasizes an excessive and often destructive pursuit of wealth, contrasting with more neutral terms like "ambition," which do not necessarily carry negative connotations.
Common Confusions
Avarice implies an excessive and destructive greed for wealth, while ambition usually suggests a strong desire for success without necessarily carrying negative connotations.
Do not choose avarice if the context emphasizes generosity or selflessness rather than extreme greed for wealth or material gain.
Example Sentences
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His avarice led him to betray his own business partner.
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His avarice led him to make unethical business decisions.