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Divest vs Covet - What's the difference?

divest | covet |

In lang=en terms the difference between divest and covet

is that divest is to sell off or be rid of through sale, especially of a subsidiary while covet is to yearn, have or indulge inordinate desire, notably for another's possession.

As verbs the difference between divest and covet

is that divest is (archaic) to undress, disrobe while covet is to wish for with eagerness; to desire possession of, often enviously.

divest

English

Verb

(en verb)
  • (archaic) To undress, disrobe.
  • * 1897 , Henry James, What Maisie Knew :
  • Having divested the child he kissed her gently and gave her a little pat to make her stand off.
  • To strip, deprive, or dispossess (someone) (of) something (such as a right, passion, privilege, or prejudice).
  • You shall never divest me of my right to free speech.
    When I wake up, I make a point to divest myself of all my prejudices, ready to start the day.
  • To sell off or be rid of through sale, especially of a subsidiary
  • In 2011 the company divested an 81% majority stake in its Chinese subsidiary.

    covet

    English

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To wish for with eagerness; to desire possession of, often enviously.
  • To long for inordinately or unlawfully; to hanker after (something forbidden).
  • To yearn, have or indulge inordinate desire, notably for another's possession.
  • Derived terms

    * covetable * coveter * covetingly * covetous * covetousness