Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Enviable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

😍
Add to dictionary

enviable

[ˈɛnvɪəb(ə)l ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

arousing or likely to arouse envy.

Synonyms

coveted, desirable, jealousy-inducing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
enviable

This word is often used to describe a situation, possession, or quality that others wish they had because it brings admiration or positive feelings.

  • She has an enviable sense of style.
  • His success in his career is truly enviable.
desirable

This word is used to describe something or someone that is attractive and worth wanting due to beneficial qualities.

  • The house is in a desirable neighborhood.
  • She is considered a very desirable candidate for the job.
coveted

This term is suitable for something that many people strongly want or desire, often used when referring to awards, positions, or items.

  • That trophy is one of the most coveted in the sports world.
  • He finally got the coveted job promotion.
jealousy-inducing

This term implies a more negative connotation, used to describe something that makes others feel jealous or envious in a less pleasant way.

  • Their vacation photos are jealousy-inducing.
  • Her social media posts are always jealousy-inducing.

Examples of usage

  • Her enviable success in business made her a role model for many young entrepreneurs.
  • Their enviable lifestyle of luxury vacations and expensive cars left others feeling envious.
  • His enviable talent for playing the piano made him a sought-after performer.
  • It's easy to see why her enviable beauty attracts so much attention.
  • Living in such an enviable location by the beach must be a dream come true.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • The feeling of envy can motivate people to improve their own situations or attributes.
  • People often feel envious when comparing themselves to others, especially in terms of success, possessions, or beauty.
  • Envy is considered one of the seven deadly sins in various cultures, often prompting reflections on personal values and desires.

Pop Culture

  • Songs and films often highlight themes of envy, showcasing characters longing for enviable traits.
  • Social media has amplified the feeling of envy, as users commonly post highlights of their lives, leading others to perceive them as enviable.
  • Fashion trends can make certain styles enviable, influencing consumer behavior and brand popularity.

Literature

  • Famous literature often explores envy, like in Shakespeare's works, where characters' desires lead to dramatic conflicts.
  • Classic fables, like Aesop's 'The Dog in the Manger', illustrate how envy can lead to unhelpful behavior.
  • Contemporary novels frequently depict the internal struggle of individuals feeling envious of their peers' achievements.

History

  • Historical figures, like kings and queens, faced envy from rivals, which often influenced their decisions and political strategies.
  • The Renaissance saw artists gain enviable reputations that often led to rivalries and competition for patronage.
  • In ancient societies, the envy of wealth and power often resulted in social upheaval, demonstrating its historical significance.

Origin of 'enviable'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'invidere', meaning 'to look at with envy'.
  • It first appeared in English during the late 17th century, evolving to describe desirable qualities.
  • Related words include 'envy', which indicates a feeling of discontent towards someone else's success.

The word 'enviable' comes from the Latin word 'invidiabilis', which means 'likely to provoke envy'. The concept of envy has been around for centuries, with philosophers and writers often discussing its impact on human behavior. In modern times, the word 'enviable' is commonly used to describe something that is highly desirable and likely to make others envious. Whether it's success, talent, or possessions, being enviable can attract both admiration and jealousy from others.

See also: envious.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,959, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.