Meaning & Definition of word "Envious"

Envious

/ˈɛnviəs/

adjective:

  • 1. feeling or showing envy; resentful of someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck.
    • Example: She felt envious of her friend's new car.
  • 2. characterized by or arising from envy.
    • Example: His envious remarks revealed his true feelings about her success.
  • 3. having or showing jealousy towards someone else’s achievements or advantages.
    • Example: They were envious of the recognition he received for his work.

Etymology

Middle English 'envious', from Old French 'envieux', from Latin 'invidiosus'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

green-eyed monster:

A metaphorical expression referring to jealousy or envy.

keeping up with the Joneses:

The practice of trying to match one's lifestyle to that of one's neighbors or peers due to envy.

grass is always greener:

The belief that others have it better or an enviable situation.

Related Words

envy:

A feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions.

jealous:

Feeling or showing an unhappy or angry desire to have what someone else has.

Slang Meanings of envious

Meaning: hating from afar

Example Sentence: He's been hating from afar since she got that promotion.

Meaning: shade

Example Sentence: She threw some serious shade, showing her envious feelings.