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Envious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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envious

[หˆษ›nviษ™s ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Feeling or showing envy; wanting what someone else has.

Synonyms

covetous, green-eyed, jealous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
envious

Used when someone desires something that another person has. Typically, it doesn't necessarily carry a malicious intent.

  • She felt envious of her friend's new car.
  • He was envious of their close friendship.
jealous

Often used in relationships to describe the feeling of being worried that someone else might take what you have, such as a partner or a position. It can also refer to general envy.

  • He felt jealous when he saw his partner talking to someone else.
  • She was jealous of her colleague's promotion.
covetous

Used to describe a strong and often inappropriate desire for someone else's possessions, sometimes implying a greedy or selfish intent.

  • The covetous businessman would do anything to acquire his competitor's company.
  • Her covetous glance revealed her true feelings.
green-eyed

An informal and often humorous way to describe someone who is jealous or envious. It suggests mild jealousy without serious resentment.

  • She became green-eyed when she saw her friend's new dress.
  • He's always a bit green-eyed when it comes to his brother's achievements.

Examples of usage

  • He was envious of her success.
  • She couldn't help but feel envious of her friend's new car.
Context #2 | Adjective

relation

Feeling discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck.

Synonyms

covetous, green-eyed, jealous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
envious

Used when someone wants what another person has. It is often used in everyday conversations and doesn't necessarily carry a strong negative connotation.

  • She was envious of her friend's new car.
  • He's envious of his colleague's promotion.
jealous

Usually used when someone feels threatened or protective over what they have, often in relationships. It has a more emotional and sometimes negative connotation.

  • He was jealous of his girlfriend's close male friends.
  • She felt jealous when her coworker received praise for a project she worked on.
covetous

Has a more intense and negative connotation, often used in literary contexts or formal writing to describe an intense desire, especially for something that is not rightfully yours.

  • The covetous king wanted to seize his neighbor's land.
  • Her covetous eyes were fixed on the priceless artifact.
green-eyed

An idiomatic expression that is synonymous with jealousy. It's often used in a more poetic or descriptive manner and sometimes in older or literary texts.

  • The green-eyed monster reared its head when he saw his ex with someone new.
  • Her green-eyed glance revealed her true feelings.

Examples of usage

  • He was envious of his brother's good looks.
  • She felt envious when she saw her colleague's promotion.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Studies show that envy can lead to increased motivation but may also negatively impact mental health.
  • Experiencing envy can affect social relationships, as it might lead to resentment and bitterness.
  • Research indicates that individuals with high self-esteem are less likely to feel envious of others.

Pop Culture

  • In literature, characters often transform due to envy, illustrating its destructive power, like in Shakespeareโ€™s 'Othello'.
  • The phrase 'keeping up with the Joneses' captures the essence of feeling envious about others' possessions.
  • Songs and movies often explore themes of envy, showcasing how it can lead to conflict and jealousy.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers like Aristotle viewed envy as a negative emotion that can lead to harmful actions and societal discord.
  • The ancient Greeks considered envy one of the 'Seven Deadly Sins', associating it with vice and moral failing.
  • Modern philosophy discusses healthier approaches to envy, suggesting it can inspire self-improvement if acknowledged.

Literature

  • Many classic stories, including fairy tales, feature envy as a central theme, driving characters' motivations and conflicts.
  • Envy is often portrayed as a character flaw leading to tragic outcomes, like in 'The Great Gatsby'.
  • Poets frequently explore the emotional depths of envy, using it as a powerful motif in their works.

Origin of 'envious'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'invidere', meaning 'to look upon with malice', highlighting a negative outlook.
  • Connected to the root 'videre', meaning 'to see', reflecting how noticing others' good fortune can spark envy.
  • The word has been used in English since the 14th century, often linked to feelings that can harm relationships.

The word 'envious' dates back to the Middle English period, deriving from the Old French word 'envieus'. It is ultimately derived from the Latin word 'invidiosus', which means 'full of envy'. Envy has been a common human emotion throughout history, often associated with feelings of discontent or resentment towards others' possessions or success.

See also: enviable.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,111, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.