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Envying: meaning, definitions and examples

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envying

 

[ ˈɛnviɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

emotional state

Envying is the act of feeling discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck. It often involves a desire to possess what another person has or to achieve similar success. This emotion can lead to complex feelings, including jealousy, and may even prompt negative behavior towards others. Envying is considered a negative trait in many cultures because it can disrupt relationships and lead to feelings of inadequacy.

Synonyms

begrudging, covetousness, desire, jealousy, resentment

Examples of usage

  • She was envying her friend's new car.
  • He couldn't help envying their carefree lifestyle.
  • Envying others can lead to unhappiness.
  • I found myself envying my colleague's promotion.

Translations

Translations of the word "envying" in other languages:

🇵🇹 invejando

🇮🇳 ईर्ष्या करना

🇩🇪 beneiden

🇮🇩 iri

🇺🇦 заздрити

🇵🇱 zazdroszcząc

🇯🇵 嫉妬している

🇫🇷 envier

🇪🇸 envidiando

🇹🇷 kıskanmak

🇰🇷 질투하다

🇸🇦 يغير

🇨🇿 závidět

🇸🇰 závidieť

🇨🇳 嫉妒

🇸🇮 zavist

🇮🇸 öfund

🇰🇿 қызғаныш

🇬🇪 შურით

🇦🇿 qısqanclıq

🇲🇽 envidiando

Word origin

The word 'envy' comes from the Latin 'invidia', which means 'malice' or 'spite'. This Latin term is derived from 'invidere', meaning 'to look at with malice', composed of 'in-' (against) and 'videre' (to see). In the Middle English period, the word evolved into 'enveny', which eventually led to the modern term 'envy'. Envy has been a notable theme throughout literature, philosophy, and religion, often highlighted as one of the seven deadly sins. The emotion has been discussed in various philosophical texts, where it is often associated with feelings of inadequacy and discontent. Its portrayal spans from ancient ages to contemporary discussions about social inequality and personal aspirations.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,065 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.