greedy

Everyday

1. Greedy means wanting much more food, money or things than you need, and not wanting to share. tree →
2. In maths and computing, a greedy method takes the biggest or best choice at each step. tree →

In the lessons

In stories greedy characters often end badly, teaching a lesson about sharing. In everyday life «Don't be greedy» means leave some for others. In computing a greedy algorithm, like giving change with the biggest coins first, always picks the best choice right now.

Examples

• Don't be greedy, leave some cake for your sister. tree →
• The greedy dog ate all the biscuits. tree →
• In the story the greedy king wanted everything to turn to gold. tree →
• He was greedy and took three slices. tree →
• Greedy people never seem to have enough. tree →
• To give 60p change the greedy way, start with a 50p coin. tree →
• I'm nothing but a greedy crow. tree →

Note

Comparatives: greedier, greediest. Noun: greed; adverb: greedily. Saying someone is greedy is a criticism.

In Jewish tradition

Describes a person eager for gain at any cost.

Interpretation. Proverbs teaches that the greedy trouble their own household, and that trust in God is the answer to greed. Tradition values being content with one's share.

Examples

• He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live. (Writings PRO.15.27, JPS 1917) tree →
• So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; it taketh away the life of the owners thereof. (Writings PRO.1.19, JPS 1917) tree →
• He that is of a greedy spirit stirreth up strife; but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be abundantly gratified. (Writings PRO.28.25, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Comparatives: greedier, greediest. Noun: greed; adverb: greedily. Saying someone is greedy is a criticism.