Word: Envy

Pronunciation

/ˈenvi/

Definitions

• Noun: A feeling of discontent or resentful longing aroused by someone else’s possessions, qualities, or luck. For example: “She felt a pang of envy when she saw her friend’s new car.”

  Example sentence: “His success has bred envy among his colleagues.”

• Verb: To feel or show envy towards (someone); to wish that one had a quality, possession, or experience enjoyed by another. For example: “She envied her sister’s confidence.”

  Example sentence: “I envy those who can speak multiple languages fluently.”

Phrases

• “Green with envy”: A phrase indicating intense feelings of envy, often used metaphorically referring to the idea that jealousy can make one look pale or sickly green.
• “Envy someone their success”: To feel envy towards someone because of their achievements.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “Her lavish lifestyle was the object of much envy.”
• Verb: “She envies the freedom that comes with being self-employed.”

Synonyms

• Jealousy
• Covetousness
• Longing
• Yearning
• Resentment
• Admiration tinged with envy
• Enviousness
• begrudging
• Emulation (in a sense of striving to equal or surpass what one envies)