Jealousy

ˈdʒel.ə.si

nounmedium🔥Very CommonEmotion
1 meaning2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

1

The state of being jealous; a feeling of unhappiness and anger because someone you love seems interested in another person or has something that you want.

ˈdʒel.ə.si

nounnegativemedium
Emotion

A feeling of possessiveness and resentment towards someone or something.

She felt a pang of jealousy when she saw him with another woman.

💡 Simply: Jealousy is that yucky feeling you get when you think someone else is getting more attention or has something cool that you don't.

👶 For kids: Feeling sad or mad because you want what someone else has, like a toy or a friend.

More Examples

2

His jealousy over his brother's success was obvious.

3

The green-eyed monster of jealousy consumed him.

How It's Used

Psychology

"Studies explore the psychological impact of jealousy on relationships."

Literature

"Shakespeare's plays often explore themes of jealousy."

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."

be jealous of

To feel resentment or unhappiness because someone has something that you want or they seem to be in a better situation.

"I'm jealous of her success."

From Old French *jalosie*, from *jalous* ('jealous'), from Late Latin *zelosus* ('zealous').

Jealousy has been a significant theme in literature and psychology throughout history, from ancient Greek tragedies to modern novels.

Memory tip

Imagine your best friend getting the new video game you really wanted. Jealousy sets in!

Word Origin

LanguageLate Latin
Original meaning

"zealous"

feel jealousya pang of jealousyovercome jealousygreen-eyed jealousy

Common misspellings

jelousyjealosyjellousy

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written