envy
envy
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "envy" is /ˈɛn.vi/.
En- /ɛn/:
/ɛ/ - as in "bed"
/n/ - as in "nap"
-vy /vi/:
/v/ - as in "van"
/i/ - as in "see"
Word Form Variations
Noun:
Singular: envy
Plural: envies
Verb:
Base form: envy
Third-person singular present: envies
Present participle: envying
Past simple: envied
Past participle: envied
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck. This definition emphasizes the covetous desire for what another possesses.
Synonyms: covetousness, resentment, jealousy, longing, yearning
Antonyms: contentment, satisfaction, indifference, benevolence, goodwill
An object or quality that is highly desirable and evokes such a feeling in others. This definition refers to something that is admired to the point of causing envy.
Synonyms: prize, treasure, desire, aspiration, admiration
Antonyms: bane, burden, nuisance, discredit
Verb
To feel discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck; to wish that one had (something belonging to another). This definition describes the act of experiencing the feeling of envy.
Synonyms: covet, begrudge, resent, long for, yearn for, desire
Antonyms: approve, admire, be content, be satisfied, dismiss
To regard with admiration and desire to possess a similar quality or advantage. This definition implies a more positive, aspirational form of the feeling, where the desire is to emulate rather than to wish ill upon.
Synonyms: admire, aspire to, emulate, wish for, desire
Antonyms: disdain, despise, scorn, disregard, dislike
Examples of Use
Books
"His success was the envy of all his rivals, a testament to years of tireless dedication." (from a fictional biographical novel)
"The protagonist wrestled with the envy she felt for her sister's seemingly perfect life, a silent battle that tore at her spirit." (from a contemporary fiction novel)
Newspapers
"The city's new public library, with its striking modern architecture and extensive collection, has become the envy of neighboring towns." (The Guardian, July 2024)
"Analysts suggest that the company's rapid expansion in the tech sector has sparked considerable envy among its competitors." (The Wall Street Journal, June 2025)
Online Publications
"Is it possible to channel envy into motivation, using someone else's achievements as a springboard for your own growth?" (Psychology Today online, May 2025)
"The fashion blogger's vacation photos, showcasing pristine beaches and luxury resorts, ignited a wave of envy in the comments section." (BuzzFeed, April 2025)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Television Series: In a popular drama, a character might express, "I envy your freedom, your ability to just pick up and go wherever the wind takes you." (Dialogue from a fictional drama series)
Film: A movie plot might revolve around a character driven to extreme measures by their envy of a rival's talent or success. (Descriptive summary of a fictional film plot)
Music Lyrics: A song might include the line, "I can't help but envy the way you move through life with such grace." (Fictional song lyric)
Video Games: In a role-playing game, a quest giver might lament, "The neighboring kingdom possesses a treasure that we all envy, and we aim to acquire it." (Fictional video game dialogue)
General Public Discourse
"Did you see Sarah's new car? I really envy her; it's exactly what I've been looking for." (Casual conversation between friends)
"There's a lot of envy directed at celebrities, but people often forget the pressures and lack of privacy that come with fame." (Online forum discussion)
"I wouldn't say I'm jealous, but I certainly envy their work-life balance. It's something I'm actively striving for." (Workplace conversation)
10 Quotes Using Envy
"Envy is the ulcer of the soul." (Socrates)
"Rivalry and envy are incurable diseases." (Horace)
"Envy is a worm that eats into the heart." (Unknown)
"Our envy always lasts longer than the happiness of those we envy." (Heraclitus)
"A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones." (Proverbs 14:30)
"Envy aims only at the dead, for it is then alone that it is just." (Jean-Baptiste Rousseau)
"Never underestimate the power of envy in society." (Jeffrey Archer)
"Envy is blind, and has no other design but to pull down another and destroy his happiness." (Jeremy Collier)
"Envy among other ingredients has a mixture of the love of justice in it." (William Hazlitt)
"Envy is a weed that grows in all soils and at all seasons." (Unknown)
Etymology
The word "envy" has a fascinating journey through time!
It comes from the Latin word "invidia," which meant "envy" or "jealousy." This Latin word itself was formed from "in-" (meaning "on" or "upon") and "videre" (meaning "to look" or "to see"). So, at its very root, "invidia" was about looking at someone with malice or "casting an evil eye upon" them.
This Latin "invidia" then traveled into Old French as "envie" around the 10th century, carrying much the same meaning of "envy, jealousy, or rivalry."
English borrowed "envy" from Old French. The first known use of "envy" in English as a noun, meaning a "resentful desire of something possessed by another," appeared in the 13th century (around 1250-1300). As a verb, meaning "to feel displeasure or hatred towards someone for their good fortune," it appeared a bit later, in the 14th century.
So, you can see how the idea of "looking upon someone with ill will because of what they have" has been consistent throughout the word's history, from its Latin origins right up to its modern English use.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Envy
Green with envy: To be extremely envious.
The envy of all eyes: Something or someone that is greatly admired and desired by many.
To be consumed by envy: To be completely overwhelmed by feelings of envy.
To stir up envy: To cause feelings of envy in others.
Envy-inducing: Describes something that is likely to cause envy.
Pique someone's envy: To provoke or arouse envy in someone.
A victim of envy: Someone who suffers because of another's envy.
Bite with envy: To feel a sharp pang of envy.
A touch of envy: A slight feeling of envy.
Jealous rage: An intense fit of anger caused by jealousy (a strong synonym for envy).
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of envy from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
