Understanding “Coveted”: A Comprehensive Synonyms-Focused Guide
Coveted – Definition and Part of Speech
The word coveted primarily functions as a past participle of the verb “covet.” It describes something highly desired or envied because of its perceived value, beauty, rarity, or desirability. As a verb form, it conveys both an ongoing state and an action completed in the past.
Core Synonyms
Below is a table listing several synonyms for “coveted,” highlighting their subtle differences and providing example sentences to illustrate usage:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Desired | Indicates a strong wish or longing | “The artifact was highly desired by collectors.” | General/Formal |
| Yearned for | Implies an intense emotional longing | “She yearned for the approval of her peers.” | Literary/Emotional |
| Sought after | Suggests active pursuit to obtain | “This vintage wine is sought after by enthusiasts.” | Business/Formal |
| Aspired to | Reflects a goal or ambition | “He aspired to own such an exquisite piece.” | Professional/Academic |
| Longed for | Conveys deep emotional longing | “They longed for the peace of their homeland.” | Casual/Emotional |
Usage Notes
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Desired: Often used in both formal and informal contexts, this synonym is versatile. It works well when discussing items or positions that many wish to obtain without implying intense emotional investment.
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Yearned for: This is best suited for literary or personal writing where the emphasis is on deep-seated emotional longing. It paints a vivid picture of desire in narrative forms.
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Sought after: Ideal for business and market contexts, “sought after” implies demand and active pursuit, making it suitable for discussions about trends, products, or services with high desirability.
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Aspired to: Frequently found in professional or academic settings, this term conveys ambition towards a particular goal or achievement. It underscores motivation and personal drive.
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Longed for: This expression is more common in casual speech or writing that touches upon emotional depth. It often appears in storytelling or when describing personal experiences of missing something dearly.
Common Pitfalls
- Conflating Emotional vs. Practical Desire:
- While “desired” can be used broadly, “yearned for” and “longed for” are specifically tied to emotional contexts.
- Business Context Misapplication:
- Using “aspired to” in place of “sought after” might inaccurately convey ambition rather than market demand.
- Intensity Confusion:
- Recognize the intensity differences between “yearned for” and “desired.” The former implies a deeper emotional connection.
- Formality Level Misjudgment:
- Ensure the choice of synonym matches the formality level required, as some are more suited to academic or business writing than casual conversations.
Final Recap
“Coveted” refers to something highly desired and is synonymous with words like “desired,” “yearned for,” “sought after,” “aspired to,” and “longed for.” Each synonym offers a slight variation in meaning, tailored to different contexts. “Desired” remains flexible across settings, while “yearned for” and “longed for” dive into emotional depths. In contrast, “sought after” fits market dynamics, and “aspired to” aligns with personal ambitions.
To expand your vocabulary effectively:
- Practice using these synonyms in writing exercises tailored to various contexts.
- Engage in conversations where you can apply the right synonym based on the situation’s formality and emotional weight.
By understanding and experimenting with these variations, you’ll enhance both clarity and expressiveness in communication.