Jealousy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
ðŸ˜
jealousy
[ˈdʒɛləsi ]
Definitions
feeling
Jealousy is a complex emotion that encompasses feelings of insecurity, fear, and anxiety over an anticipated loss of something that is valuable to a person.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Her jealousy of her sister's success led to strained relationships within the family.
- His jealousy over his partner's friendships caused frequent arguments in their relationship.
relationship
Jealousy can also refer to the possessive and controlling behavior that arises from feelings of jealousy.
Synonyms
distrust, insecurity, paranoia.
Examples of usage
- His jealousy of her talking to other men resulted in him isolating her from her friends.
- Her jealousy often manifested in checking his phone and social media accounts.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- This emotion can often arise from insecurity or fear of loss, making it a common experience in human relationships.
- The intensity of jealousy can vary, with mild feelings resembling envy, while strong jealousy can lead to distress or aggressive behavior.
- Some studies suggest that jealousy can motivate people to improve their own circumstances or relationships.
Literature
- Many classic works, like Shakespeare's 'Othello', explore jealousy as a central theme, highlighting its destructive power.
- In literature, jealousy is often depicted as a green-eyed monster, emphasizing its association with irrationality and possessiveness.
- Greek tragedies frequently feature jealousy as a catalyst for conflict and a tragic downfall of characters.
Pop Culture
- Songs like 'Jealous' by Labrinth and 'Jealous of the Angels' by Jenn Bostic express the complexities of this emotion in relatable ways.
- Reality TV often dramatizes jealousy, showcasing how it affects relationships in both humorous and dramatic scenarios.
- Movies like 'Fatal Attraction' highlight the darker side of jealousy, where it can lead to obsession and potentially dangerous situations.
History
- In ancient Rome, jealousy was associated with the goddess Venus, who represented love and the complexities that come with it.
- Throughout history, jealousy has often been linked to power struggles, particularly in political and royal contexts.
- Philosophers like Aristotle viewed jealousy critically, suggesting it stems from both love and the desire for social status.
Science
- Research indicates that jealousy activates certain areas of the brain associated with fear and aggression, highlighting its instinctual nature.
- In evolutionary psychology, jealousy can be seen as a survival mechanism that facilitates mate-guarding and reproductive success.
- Studies on pets, particularly dogs, reveal that they also demonstrate jealousy-like behavior when their owners pay attention to others.
Origin of 'jealousy'
The word 'jealousy' dates back to the 13th century, derived from Old French jalousie, which comes from Late Latin zelosus, meaning 'full of zeal'. Originally, the word had positive connotations of fervent dedication or enthusiasm, but over time, it evolved to represent feelings of envy or suspicion.