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Jealously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜’
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jealously

[หˆdส’ษ›lษ™sli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

emotional response

Jealously refers to the emotional response of envy or resentment toward someone else's good fortune or advantages. It often involves feelings of insecurity, fear, or concern over losing something one possesses to another.

Synonyms

covetously, enviously, resentfully.

Examples of usage

  • He watched jealously as his friend won the award.
  • She spoke jealously about her colleague's promotion.
  • The dog barked jealously when another pet approached.
  • They reacted jealously to their neighbor's new car.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research suggests that jealousy often stems from feelings of insecurity in relationships or environments.
  • Psychological studies indicate that mild jealousy can help maintain healthy bonds by prompting communication.
  • Excessive jealousy can lead to negative outcomes, including conflicts and emotional distress.

Literature

  • Famous literary works often depict jealousy as a powerful theme, like in Shakespeare's 'Othello', where it leads to tragic outcomes.
  • In ancient texts, jealousy is frequently tied to themes of betrayal and desire, showcasing its complexity.
  • Modern novels often explore the nuances of jealousy, portraying characters' inner struggles and moral dilemmas.

Pop Culture

  • Songs like 'Jealous' by Nick Jonas capture the emotional intensity of jealousy in romantic relationships.
  • TV shows and movies often exaggerate jealousy for comedic or dramatic effects, reflecting its relatable human experience.
  • Celebrity relationships frequently spark public jealousy, showcasing how this emotion plays out in social dynamics.

Science

  • Neuroscience research indicates that jealousy activates certain areas of the brain associated with threat perception.
  • Studies show that jealousy can trigger heightened arousal, affecting decision-making and emotional responses.
  • The hormone oxytocin plays a role in the dynamics of jealousy, influencing attachment and trust in relationships.

Origin of 'jealously'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originated from the Old French word 'jalousie', which means zeal or jealousy.
  • It can be traced back to the Latin term 'zelosus', which means 'full of zeal or zealot'.
  • The root โ€˜zealโ€™ is about strong passion or enthusiasm, showing how jealousy can tie into strong feelings.

The word 'jealously' originates from the Middle English term 'jalousie', which itself comes from the Old French 'jalousie' meaning 'zeal' or 'jealousy'. This can be traced further back to the Latin 'zelus', meaning 'zeal' or 'enthusiasm'. Historically, jealousy has been associated with strong emotional states, often depicted in literature and art as being both passionate and destructive. Over time, the usage of 'jealously' has expanded to reflect not only romantic jealousy but also professional and personal contexts, indicating an emotional attachment that can lead to envy and possessiveness.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,836, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.