Cupidities

/kjuːˈpɪdɪtiz/ noun

Definition

Plural form of cupidity; instances or expressions of extreme greed or desire for wealth and possessions.

Etymology

From cupidity (from Latin 'cupiditas' meaning desire or greed, from 'cupidus' meaning desirous). The plural form was commonly used in moral and religious texts.

Kelly Says

Medieval theologians loved using 'cupidity' as one of the root sins—it literally means 'the desire of Cupid,' suggesting that greed and lust are surprisingly similar human weaknesses!

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Cupidity (greed, desire) was historically gendered female in moral discourse—women stereotyped as inherently greedy, lustful, or materially acquisitive from theological and philosophical traditions.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'greed' or 'acquisitiveness' as neutral terms; specify context without gendered tropes ('financial greed,' 'territorial ambition').

Inclusive Alternatives

["greed","acquisitiveness","avarice","financial ambition"]

Empowerment Note

Women were disproportionately shamed for desires that men pursued without moral judgment; reclaiming neutral language around ambition recovers agency.

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