What does "cupidity" signify?

Boost your GRE vocabulary skills with engaging flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question offers hints and explanations to improve understanding and confidence for the exam!

The term "cupidity" specifically refers to an intense and often excessive desire for material wealth or gain. Originating from the Latin word "cupiditas," which means "desire" or "greed," cupidity connotes a voracious appetite for more, particularly in a materialistic sense. This aligns perfectly with the selection that defines it as extreme greed for material wealth.

In recognizing the meanings of the other options, it's clear that they do not relate to the notion of cupidity. While generosity and kindness suggest positive, altruistic behavior, and a strong desire for knowledge indicates a noble pursuit of education, both are contrary to the essence of greed implied by cupidity. An aversion to material possessions expresses a lack of desire for wealth, placing it at odds with the greedy connotations of cupidity. Thus, the meaning of "cupidity" is firmly rooted in the realm of greed, making the identification of it as extreme greed for material wealth accurate.

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