adjective
jealous
Protectively anxious about losing something valued to a rival.
He feels jealous when his girlfriend flirts with someone else.
Etymology
The French ancestor concerns zealous or jealous attachment. This sense focuses that intense concern on guarding something valued against a possible rival.
More examples
- She gets jealous whenever her best friend makes plans without her.
- His jealous questions about her coworker lead to an argument.
- The committee remains jealous of its authority over hiring.
Forms
jealous · more jealous · most jealous
jealousy noun — Anxiety about losing affection or something valued.
jealously adverb — With anxious concern about loss or interference.
Similar words
- possessive
- Emphasizes wanting exclusive control rather than fearing a rival.
- protective
- Emphasizes guarding against harm, not necessarily loss to a rival.
- suspicious
- Emphasizes distrust without necessarily involving affection or rivalry.