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pleonexia

pleonexia

9.9
A strong desire to have more than your fair share of things
  • noun
  • /ˌpliːəˈnɛksɪə/
  • Formal
translation icon : pleonexia
  • Christian belief equates pleonexia with idolatry because it replaces God with self-interest and material interest in things.

Examples

  • Her pleonexia led her to accumulate vast amounts of wealth, neglecting the needs of her family.

  • William Barclay describes pleonexia as an "accursed love of having," which "will pursue its own interests with complete disregard for the rights of others, and even for the considerations of common humanity."

    Blog text (9)
  • The politician's pleonexia was evident as he constantly sought to expand his power and influence at the expense of others.

  • Many believe that pleonexia can lead to societal problems, as individuals prioritize personal gain over communal well-being.

Synonyms

greed
vspleonexia
293 1.9

A strong selfish wish for more, especially money or power

specifies unfair taking of more than others rather than general selfishness
avarice
vspleonexia
  • Formal
11 9.9

A very strong desire to have more money and things

is narrower in stressing unfair taking rather than just strong craving
greediness
vspleonexia
1 4.0

Wanting too much money or things and not being satisfied

is about wanting more than one's fair share, not only general excess desire
cupidity
vspleonexia
1 9.9

A very strong desire to have more money and things

is broader by applying to taking more than a fair portion
covetousness
vspleonexia
1 8.8

A very strong desire for money and things

centres on claiming more than one's fair portion rather than envy alone
rapaciousness
vspleonexia
  • Formal
1 9.9

A very strong desire to take more than is fair

highlights wanting more than a fair share rather than aggression alone
rapacity
vspleonexia
  • Formal
1 9.9

A very strong wish to have more money or things than you need

focuses on unfair gain and entitlement rather than mere voracity
acquisitiveness
vspleonexia
1 8.1

A strong wish to get and keep money and things

adds the idea of taking more than a fair share to that wanting
insatiability
vspleonexia
1 8.4

Always wanting more and never having enough

is specific about taking more than a fair share rather than mere unsatisfaction
mammonic attitude
vspleonexia
  • Literature
9.9

Putting money and things above other values

is more about claiming more than one's fair allotment than mere mindset
rapacious nature
vspleonexia
  • Formal
8.9

A strong greedy wish to take more than is fair

focuses more on obtaining unfairly rather than just a general tendency

Antonyms

47 3.5

Keeping actions or feelings within reasonable limits

26 2.1

A feeling of being happy and satisfied with your life

How Greedy

rapacity
  • Formal
1 9.9
pleonexia
  • Formal
9.9
avarice
  • Formal
11 9.9
greed
293 1.9

Surface Forms

pleonexia singular
pleonexiae plural

Etymology

The word pleonexia comes from Greek parts pleon- meaning 'more' and -exia meaning 'having or taking', so a helpful way to remember it is to imagine someone who always wants 'more' and keeps taking more than their fair share. So pleonexia means a strong wish to have more than is fair.