Basic Details
Word: Cupidity
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A strong desire for money or possessions; greed.
Synonyms: Greed, avarice, covetousness
Antonyms: Generosity, philanthropy, selflessness
Idioms and Phrases
- Money makes the world go round: Suggests that financial gain is a primary motivator for people's actions. Example: "His actions were driven by the belief that money makes the world go round, showing his cupidity."
- Greed is a bottomless pit: Indicates that the desire for wealth can never be satisfied. Example: "Her cupidity was evident when she tirelessly sought more, claiming, 'Greed is a bottomless pit.'
Usage Examples
Example 1: The cupidity of the businessman led him to make decisions that hurt his employees.
Example 2: Despite her cupidity, she felt empty and unsatisfied, longing for something beyond material wealth.
Example 3: The story tells how cupidity can lead to a persons downfall, as they become blinded by the pursuit of riches.
Fun Fact
The word "cupidity" comes from the Latin word "cupiditas," which means "desire." While often associated with greed, it also reflects a deeper yearning for belongings or pleasures.
Famous Quote
"The lust for power, for wealth, for dominance is at the very root of violence and crime." - Robert Kennedy
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "cupidity" mean?
a) A strong love for nature
b) A strong desire for money or possessions
c) A passion for music
d) A great interest in literature
Answer: b) A strong desire for money or possessions
2. Which of these is a synonym of "cupidity"?
a) Generosity
b) Greed
c) Charity
d) Honesty
Answer: b) Greed
3. Which is an antonym of "cupidity"?
a) Avarice
b) Philanthropy
c) Covetousness
d) Desire
Answer: b) Philanthropy
4. Which sentence uses "cupidity" correctly?
a) The child's cupidity made him share his toys with a friend.
b) Her cupidity drove her to accumulate an excessive amount of shoes.
c) Cupidity is a beautiful trait in a person.
d) He felt cupidity when he donated to charity.
Answer: b) Her cupidity drove her to accumulate an excessive amount of shoes.
5. Which idiom reflects the idea of "cupidity"?
a) Money makes the world go round
b) A penny for your thoughts
c) An apple a day keeps the doctor away
d) Don't count your chickens before they hatch
Answer: a) Money makes the world go round
