coveted

Coveted is an adjective describing something that is strongly desired or sought after by a large number of people. It is used to describe objects, awards, positions, or statuses that are highly desired. The adjective is the past participle of the verb covet, which means to desire something, typically something that belongs to someone else. The verb traces to Middle English coveten, from Old French covetier, and ultimately to Latin cupidare meaning to desire.

In usage, coveted can carry neutral or positive connotations, emphasizing desirability, quality, or prestige. In many cases it conveys admiration or aspiration as in "the coveted trophy." In other contexts, it may imply envy or inappropriate desire, as in "the courtiers coveted the throne." The word also appears in religious or ethical contexts, most notably in the phrase "thou shalt not covet," part of the Ten Commandments, highlighting the moral dimension of strong desire.

Related terms include covetous (adj.) describing a person who desires something greedily, and covetousness (noun) the state of having such desires. The term is common in journalism, literary writing, and everyday speech when emphasizing how highly prized something is.

Word formation notes: the past participle form "coveted" is used attributively (a coveted prize) or predicatively (the prize is highly coveted). There is no requirement to imply illegality or wrongdoing, though the moral tone can color interpretation.