Envy
/ˈɛnvi/
Definitions
2 meaningsA feeling of discontent and resentment aroused by someone's possessions, qualities, or success.
/ˈɛnvi/
A feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck.
She felt a pang of envy when she saw her friend's new car.
💡 Simply: It's when you want something someone else has, like a cool toy or a good grade, and you feel a little bit sad or jealous because you don't have it.
👶 For kids: When you want something someone else has, and you feel a little bit jealous.
More Examples
His success sparked envy among his colleagues.
The green-eyed monster of envy consumed him.
How It's Used
"Envy can be a powerful motivator or a destructive emotion."
"The green-eyed monster of envy gnawed at his heart."
To feel discontented or resentful longing for someone else's advantage.
/ˈɛnvi/
To feel discontented or resentful longing for (someone else's advantage).
I envied her ability to speak multiple languages.
💡 Simply: It's when you look at someone else and think, 'Wow, I wish I had that!' like a fun vacation or a great skill.
👶 For kids: To wish you had something that someone else has.
More Examples
He envied their freedom and lack of responsibility.
She envied his easy success.
How It's Used
"He envied his friend's carefree lifestyle."
"She envied his artistic talent."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
green-eyed monster
Jealousy.
"The green-eyed monster of jealousy took hold of him when he saw his ex-girlfriend with another man."
envy the dead
To be so jealous that you wish you were dead or wish others were dead
"The queen envied the dead when she lost her kingdom."
From Middle English envie, from Old French envie, from Latin invidia ('envy, jealousy').
Used in literature and everyday language since the Middle Ages, reflecting a consistent human emotion.
Memory tip
Imagine a green-eyed monster. That's envy!
Word Origin
"invidia (envy, jealousy)"