'acquisitiveness' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'acquirere,' where 'ad-' meant 'toward' and 'quaerere' meant 'to seek.'

'acquirere' transformed into the Old French word 'acquérir,' and eventually became the modern English word 'acquire' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to seek or obtain something,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a strong desire to acquire and possess things.'