adjective

envious

EN-vee-us/ˈenviəs/

Wanting what someone else has, often with resentment.

The envious woman hides her plain ring while staring at her companion's large gemstone.

Two women compare rings: a woman with a small plain ring looks resentfully at the much larger gemstone ring worn by her pleased companion, hiding her own ring against her palm.

Etymology

enLatinupon

+viLatinto see

+ousLatinfull of

“Upon” and “see” reflect the older image of looking at someone with malice. That hostile gaze became envy: resentment or longing for another person's advantages.

In context

411 Outdoors LLC0:39

Envy is about wanting what others have and if you have somebody in your life whether it's a friend a family member or a coworker that is envious of you this is creating more issues

SIGNS You’re Dealing with an ENVIOUS Person

More examples

I'm envious of your ability to stay calm under pressure.
His promotion draws envious looks from a few coworkers.
Their spacious kitchen makes me envious.

Forms

envious · more envious · most envious

envy noun — Resentful desire for what another person has.

enviously adverb — With a desire for another person's advantages.

Similar words

jealous: Can also describe fear of losing someone's affection or attention.
covetous: Emphasizes a strong desire to possess what belongs to others.