Envy
/ˈɛnvi/
Meaning & Definition
noun
A feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck.
She felt a surge of envy when she saw her friend's new car.
An object of envy.
His promotion was the envy of his colleagues.
verb
To desire to have a quality, possession, or other desirable attribute belonging to (someone else).
He envied his neighbor's beautiful garden.
To feel envious of someone or something.
They envied her ability to easily make friends.
Etymology
Middle English 'envie', from Old French 'envie', from Latin 'invidia', meaning 'to look at with malice'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
green-eyed monster
A metaphor for jealousy and envy.
envy is a sin
A saying indicating that envy is morally wrong.
to eat one's heart out
To suffer from envy or longing.
Related Words
jealousy
An emotion related to fear of loss or rivalry.
covet
To desire something that belongs to someone else.
Slang Meanings
Green-eyed
She's been feeling a bit green-eyed about his promotion.
Jelly
I was so jelly when I saw her new car.