CultureAugust 20, 2026

acquisitiveness

uh-KWIZ-ih-tiv-nes

Definition

The excessive desire to acquire or possess material things.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'acquirere' (to acquire), the word entered English via French as a suffix-heavy formation describing the trait of being eager to obtain goods or wealth.

In the news

In the context of the Tao Te Ching, the author suggests that rejecting material acquisitiveness is necessary to attain harmony and contentment with the universe.

7 essential Asian philosophy books and their key teachings

Read the full article ↗

Tatler Asia

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