What is the difference between envy and jealousy?

Envy means you want what someone else has. Jealousy often means fear of losing what is already yours.

Is envy a noun or a verb?

It is both. As a noun, it means the feeling. As a verb, it means to feel that feeling.

Is envy a positive word?

Usually, no. It often suggests an unhappy or negative feeling.

How do I use envy in a sentence?

You can say, “I envy your job” or “She felt envy.”

← Dictionary

envy

/ˈen.vi/

IELTSAcademic

noun

A feeling of unhappiness because someone has something you want. It can also mean the thing you want because another person has it.

She felt envy when her friend got promoted.
His success caused quiet envy among the team.

verb

To feel unhappy because someone has something you want. It can also mean to want what another person has.

I envy your confidence.
Many people envy his easy life.

Adinary Nuance

Envy is stronger and less polite than admiration. If you admire someone, you respect or like what they have. If you envy them, you want it for yourself and may feel unhappy about it. Writers choose envy when the feeling has a sharper, more negative edge.

In other languages

Vietnamese: sự đố kỵ
Spanish: envidia
Chinese: 嫉妒
Japanese: 嫉妬
Korean: 부러움

Etymology

Envy comes from Old French and Latin. It entered English in the Middle Ages, around the 1300s.

Common phrases

green with envyenvy of the neighbourhoodenvy someone’s successenvy-free

Synonyms

jealousy covetousness resentment

Related words

admiration jealous desire greed

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between envy and jealousy?: Envy means you want what someone else has. Jealousy often means fear of losing what is already yours.
Is envy a noun or a verb?: It is both. As a noun, it means the feeling. As a verb, it means to feel that feeling.
Is envy a positive word?: Usually, no. It often suggests an unhappy or negative feeling.
How do I use envy in a sentence?: You can say, “I envy your job” or “She felt envy.”