Jealous
ˈdʒɛləs
Definitions
2 meaningsFeeling or showing envy of someone or their possessions or achievements; suspicious of a rival or of someone's unfaithfulness.
ˈdʒɛləs
Feeling or showing an envious resentment of someone or their achievements, possessions, or perceived advantages.
He was jealous of his brother's popularity.
💡 Simply: Have you ever felt a little icky when your friend gets something cool that you don't? Like, you want it too, and maybe you feel a tiny bit grumpy about it? That's what it means to be jealous. For example, Sarah was jealous of her friend Maria’s amazing new bike, because she wanted one too.
👶 For kids: Feeling sad or mad because you want what someone else has.
More Examples
She became jealous when she saw him with another woman.
The green-eyed monster of jealousy took hold.
How It's Used
"She was jealous of her sister's success."
"He felt jealous when he saw his girlfriend talking to another man."
Very protective of something or someone.
ˈdʒɛləs
Showing a fierce protectiveness.
He was very jealous of his reputation.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, you might be super protective of something you care a lot about. Like, you're really jealous of it being taken away or shared. A dog guarding its food is a good example.
👶 For kids: Wanting to protect someone or something very much.
More Examples
The dog was jealous of its owner's affection.
She showed a jealous devotion to her country.
How It's Used
"The cat was jealous of its owner's attention being diverted elsewhere."
Idioms & expressions
green with envy
Extremely envious.
"She was green with envy when she saw their diamond ring."
jealous rage
An outburst of anger caused by jealousy.
"Her jealous rage was a sight to behold, fueled by the rumors of her lover's betrayal."
From Old French *gelos* (jealous, zealous), from Late Latin *zelosus* (full of zeal), from Greek *zelos* (zeal).
Used in literature and everyday language since the late 13th century, originally with a broader meaning of 'zealous'. Over time, the meaning shifted to emphasize envy and suspicion.
Memory tip
Imagine someone feeling green with envy because you have something they want, like a new toy.