• Today's Word

Cupidity

kyoo-PID-ih-tee

Definition

1. (noun) Excessive desire for wealth or material possessions; greed.

Example

His cupidity led him to embezzle millions from the company.

Despite sounding romantic, “cupidity” is no love story—it comes from Cupid, the Roman god of desire. While Cupid usually represents romantic longing, cupidity refers to a more selfish craving, particularly for money or power. It’s been a central trait in classic tragic heroes and villains alike—from Ebenezer Scrooge to modern financial fraudsters.