Avaricia vs. avidez vs. codicia

This article explores the subtle differences between three Spanish words that translate to 'greed' or 'greediness' in English: 'avaricia', 'avidez', and 'codicia'. All three words convey a sense of intense desire, but they are used slightly differently in context.

Avaricia

'Avaricia' refers specifically to an excessive or insatiable desire for wealth or material gain. It is often associated with negative traits such as stinginess or miserliness.
La avaricia del empresario lo llevó a explotar a sus empleados.
(The businessman's greed led him to exploit his employees.)
Por avaricia, acumulaba dinero sin gastar nada en su familia.
(Out of greed, he hoarded money without spending anything on his family.)
La avaricia es uno de los pecados capitales.
(Greed is one of the deadly sins.)

Avidez

'Avidez' signifies a strong eagerness or craving for something. While it can be negative, denoting greed for power or possessions, it doesn't always carry the severe negative connotations of 'avaricia'. It can also mean a strong desire for knowledge or experience.
Leía con avidez todo lo que caía en sus manos.
(He read eagerly everything that came into his hands.)
Su avidez por el poder lo llevó a traicionar a sus amigos.
(His greed for power led him to betray his friends.)
Miraba con avidez el festín que tenían en la mesa.
(He looked eagerly at the feast they had on the table.)

Codicia

'Codicia' refers broadly to an excessive and selfish desire for something, often wealth or material goods. It implies not just wanting something, but wanting more than is fair or necessary at the expense of others.
La codicia de los políticos ha arruinado al país.
(The greed of politicians has ruined the country.)
La codicia inmobiliaria llevó al aumento descontrolado de los precios.
(Real estate greed led to uncontrolled price increases.)
Su codicia lo hizo vulnerable ante las estafas.
(His greed made him vulnerable to scams.)

Summary

While 'avaricia', 'avidez', and 'codicia' all translate to forms of ‘greed’, they have nuanced differences in use. 'Avaricia' is mostly related to an excessive desire for wealth and material gain and often involves negative moral judgment. 'Avidez' denotes eagerness which can be toward anything but often doesn't carry as strong negative connotations unless linked with power or similar concepts. ‘Codicia’ broadly covers selfish and excessive desires, emphasizing unfairness and selfishness often linked with material wealth.