envy

[ en-vee ]

noun

, plural en·vies.

1. a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another's advantages, success, possessions, etc.

   Synonyms: enviousness

2. an object of such feeling:

   Her intelligence made her the envy of her classmates.

3. Obsolete. ill will.

verb (used with object)

, en·vied, en·vy·ing.

1. to regard (a person or thing) with envy:

   She envies you for your success.

   I envy your writing ability.

   He envies her the position she has achieved in her profession.

   Synonyms: resent

verb (used without object)

, en·vied, en·vy·ing.

1. Obsolete. to be affected with envy.

envy

/ ˈɛnvɪ /

noun

1. a feeling of grudging or somewhat admiring discontent aroused by the possessions, achievements, or qualities of another
2. the desire to have for oneself something possessed by another; covetousness
3. an object of envy

verb

1. to be envious of (a person or thing)

Confusables Note

Envy and jealousy are very close in meaning. Envy denotes a longing to possess something awarded to or achieved by another: to feel envy when a friend inherits a fortune. Jealousy, on the other hand, denotes a feeling of resentment that another has gained something that one more rightfully deserves: to feel jealousy when a coworker receives a promotion. Jealousy also refers to anguish caused by fear of unfaithfulness.

Derived Forms

• ˈenvyingly, adverb
• ˈenvier, noun

Other Words From

• en·vy·ing·ly adverb
• un·en·vied adjective
• un·en·vy·ing adjective
• un·en·vy·ing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of envy¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English noun envie, from Old French, from Latin invidia, equivalent to invid(us) “envious” (derivative of invidēre “to envy”) + -ia abstract noun suffix; verb derivative of the noun; invidious, -y ³( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of envy¹

C13: via Old French from Latin invidia, from invidēre to eye maliciously, from in- ² + vidēre to see

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. green with envy, full of envy; covetous:

   When my friends saw the enormous rock on my engagement ring, they were all green with envy.

More idioms and phrases containing envy

see green with envy .

Synonym Study

Envy, begrudge, covet refer to one's attitude toward the possessions or attainments of others. To envy is to feel resentful and unhappy because someone else possesses, or has achieved, what one wishes oneself to possess, or to have achieved: to envy the wealthy, a woman's beauty, an honest man's reputation. To begrudge is to be unwilling that another should have the possessions, honors, or credit that person deserves: to begrudge a man a reward for heroism. To covet is to long jealously to possess what someone else possesses: I covet your silverware.

Example Sentences

All of this is in spite of the American economy being literally "the envy of the world" with a robust job market that hasn't been seen since the 1960s, roaring markets, high consumer spending on durable goods and travel and what would normally be considered a very reasonable inflation rate.

From Salon

The U.S. economy remains very strong—the envy of the developed world, with inflation tamed, growth robust, and the best labor market in 50 years.

From Slate

He achieved far more legislatively than many thought possible, given the narrow margins Democrats held in the House and Senate, and presided over an economy that, partisan carping aside, is the envy of the world.

From Los Angeles Times

Pushed on whether he has any idea why his grandfather decided not to make her Japanese, Mr Tsuji concludes: "London is an amazing city and it was the envy of many Japanese girls, so that may be one of the reasons they decided that she’s from London."

From BBC

“The outlook is for more of the same with growth the envy of the world,” said Chris Rupkey, chief economist at Fwdbonds, a economic and markets research firm in New York.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• begrudging
• bitterness
• hatred
• ill will
• jealousy
• malice
• prejudice
• resentment
• rivalry