Enviously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
enviously
[หษnvษชษsli ]
Definition
feeling jealous
In a manner that shows jealousy or resentment towards someone else's advantages or good fortune. It implies a strong desire for what another possesses, which leads to feelings of discontent and envy.
Synonyms
covetously, jealously, resentfully.
Examples of usage
- She looked at her friend's new car enviously.
- He watched his colleague's promotion enviously.
- They spoke enviously of his successful business.
- I admired her success, but I felt enviously about my own failures.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research shows that envious feelings can trigger a range of emotions, including anger, resentment, and even inspiration.
- Experiencing envy can lead to motivation for self-improvement or, conversely, can cause toxic behaviors like gossip or sabotage.
- Studies indicate that gratitude practices can help reduce feelings of envy by shifting focus from comparison to appreciation.
Pop Culture
- Many popular songs explore themes of envy, portraying characters who desire the lifestyles or possessions of others.
- Films often depict envy as a central theme, emphasizing its complexity in relationships and moral dilemmas.
- Social media has intensified feelings of envy, with people comparing their lives to curated online personas.
Literature
- Classic literary works often feature envy as a driving force behind character conflict and motivation, like Iago in Shakespeare's 'Othello'.
- Contemporary novels frequently explore the psychological effects of envy among friends and family, creating dramatic tension.
- Throughout literature, envy is portrayed not just as a feeling, but as a powerful emotion influencing decisions and outcomes.
Origin of 'enviously'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'enviously' stems from 'envy', which comes from the Latin 'invidia', meaning 'ill will'.
- It first appeared in English in the 14th century, reflecting feelings of jealousy and longing for what others possess.
- The โ-ouslyโ ending indicates the manner in which someone feels or acts, related closely to emotions.
The word 'enviously' comes from the root 'envy,' which has its origins in the Latin word 'invidere', meaning 'to look at with malice.' This Latin term is composed of 'in-' meaning 'against' and 'videre' meaning 'to see', translating essentially to 'to look against.' The term evolved through Old French 'envie', and eventually found its way into Middle English as 'envie' before settling into its modern form. Historically, envy has been associated with a negative emotional state that arises when one compares their circumstances with those of others, especially in terms of success, wealth, or happiness. The term 'enviously' thus encapsulates the emotional weight of wanting what someone else has, often leading to resentful feelings that starkly contrast with the joy of celebrating anotherโs achievements.