Definition and Pronunciation
Concupiscence (pronounced: /kɒnˈkjuːpɪsəns/ or /kənˈkjuːpɪsəns/) is a noun that refers to strong sexual desire or lust. In religious and theological contexts, especially in Christianity, it often means the natural tendency of humans toward sin and disordered desire after the Fall of Man.
Easy Explanation
“Concupiscence” is a formal word for lust or strong craving. In daily use, it usually means sexual desire, but in religion, it can mean any sinful human desire—especially uncontrolled or excessive ones.
Grammatical Formation
- Root: from Latin concupiscentia (strong desire, lust).
- Noun: concupiscence
- Adjective: concupiscent (lustful, desiring).
- Opposite: chastity, purity, temperance.
Word Comparisons
- Concupiscence vs. lust: lust is common and direct; concupiscence is formal, often religious.
- Concupiscence vs. desire: desire is neutral; concupiscence = sinful or lustful desire.
- Concupiscence vs. passion: passion may be noble or artistic; concupiscence = morally condemned craving.
Connotations
- Negative (religious): sinful tendency, fallen human nature.
- Neutral/academic: technical term for desire.
- Poetic/literary: archaic elegance in describing lust.
Meaning with Prepositions
- Concupiscence of: concupiscence of the flesh.
- Concupiscence for: concupiscence for forbidden pleasures.
- Concupiscence toward: concupiscence toward his neighbor’s wife.
Real-Life Examples
- The preacher condemned concupiscence as the root of sin.
- He was overtaken by concupiscence for wealth and pleasure.
- Medieval theologians debated whether concupiscence itself was sinful.
- The poet described the king’s concupiscence as his downfall.
Synonyms
lust, desire, craving, passion, longing, appetite, lasciviousness, lewdness
Antonyms
chastity, purity, modesty, temperance, virtue, innocence
Related Terms
- Lust – strong sexual desire.
- Carnal desire – bodily, sensual craving.
- Unchastity – lack of purity.
- Original Sin – theological concept tied to concupiscence in Christianity.
Common Collocations
- concupiscence of the flesh
- concupiscence condemned
- concupiscence in literature
- concupiscence toward women/men
- concupiscence of the heart
Idiomatic and Figurative Usage
- Concupiscence of the eyes: greedy or lustful looking.
- Concupiscence of the heart: impure inner desires.
- Concupiscence of the flesh: lustful bodily urges.
Sample Sentences
- He prayed to overcome the concupiscence that troubled his thoughts.
- The philosopher described concupiscence as natural but dangerous.
- The saint taught that concupiscence must be resisted with virtue.
- Concupiscence is often used in literature to represent temptation.
Connection to Sexuality
Yes, very directly. “Concupiscence” is closely tied to sexuality, as it refers to lustful desires. In theology, it expands beyond sexuality to mean all sinful desires, but its strongest everyday use is connected to sexual passion and immorality.
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