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Envying Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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envying

[หˆษ›nviษชล‹ ]

Definition

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

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that envy can lead to increased motivation to improve oneself or achieve what others have.
  • Feeling envious can trigger stress responses in the brain, making it not just an emotional experience but also a physiological one.
  • Just like happiness can be contagious, so can envyโ€” if you're around envious people, you might start to feel that way too!

Literature

  • Many stories feature characters who experience envy, often leading to their downfall, such as Iago in Shakespeare's 'Othello'.
  • In classic literature, envy is frequently depicted as one of the seven deadly sins, illustrating its toxic nature across various narratives.
  • Famous authors have explored envy as a theme, showcasing how it can affect friendships, love, and society at large.

Pop Culture

  • Songs often express themes of envy, illustrating personal struggles, like in Carly Simon's 'You're So Vain'.
  • Movies like 'Mean Girls' highlight how envy can fuel rivalry and friendship drama among peers.
  • Social media platforms can amplify feelings of envy, as people usually post their best moments, making others feel inadequate.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers like Friedrich Nietzsche argued that envy can motivate individuals to strive for greatness, turning negative feelings into positive actions.
  • Some ethical theories suggest envy can prompt conversations about justice and fairness in a society, questioning why some have more than others.
  • Aristotle believed that envy indicates a lack of virtue, highlighting the moral implications of feeling envious.

History

  • In ancient societies, envy was often associated with jealousy over wealth, power, and privileges granted to the elite.
  • Throughout history, moments of great upheaval, such as revolutions, have sometimes been fueled by the widespread feelings of envy among the lower classes.
  • Various cultures have myths or proverbs warning against the dangers of envy, underscoring its historic significance.

Origin of 'envying'

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.