Concupiscent

/kənˈkjuːpɪsənt/ adjective

Definition

Characterized by or full of strong desire, especially lustful or worldly desire.

Etymology

From Latin concupiscens, the present participle of concupiscere. It entered English in the 16th century as a more refined way to describe someone driven by strong desires or passions, particularly in religious or moral contexts.

Kelly Says

This adjective appears constantly in Renaissance poetry and philosophy as writers debated whether being concupiscent made you human or sinful—it became the educated person's way of calling someone 'ruled by their desires' without being crude about it.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Adjective form; theological and literary language pathologizing desire as feminine weakness, weakness as spiritual danger—embedded in misogynist theology across Christian tradition.

Inclusive Usage

Avoid unless analyzing theology directly. Use 'desirous' or 'lustful' instead.

Inclusive Alternatives

["desirous","lustful","sensually inclined"]

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