Close in meaning

Envy vs. Jealousy

Envy is wanting something another person has. Jealousy is fear of losing something you have, especially someone's love or attention, to another person. Envy usually involves two people; jealousy usually involves three.

Word	Part of speech	Meaning
envy	noun	the feeling of wanting something that someone else has, such as their skills, luck or things
envy	verb	to wish you had what another person has
jealousy	noun	worry or resentment that someone will take away something you have, especially a relationship

Envy

noun: the feeling of wanting something that someone else has, such as their skills, luck or things

I felt a bit of envy when my friend showed me her new kitchen.
Their vegetable garden is the envy of the whole street.

verb: to wish you had what another person has

I envy people who can sleep on planes.
Many students envied Tariq's calm before exams.

Jealousy

noun: worry or resentment that someone will take away something you have, especially a relationship

When the new puppy arrived, the old cat showed obvious jealousy.
A little jealousy is normal when your best friend makes new friends.

How to remember the difference

Envy reaches out for what you have. Jealousy holds tight to what I have.

Good to know

In everyday speech, jealous is often used to mean envious (I'm so jealous of your vacation), and dictionaries accept this. In careful writing, especially about feelings within a relationship, keep the distinction.

Spot the mistake

Zoe was filled with ~~envy~~ jealousy whenever her best friend spent time with other girls.
Correct: Zoe was filled with jealousy whenever her best friend spent time with other girls.

Check yourself

Pick the word that fits each sentence.

1. Ben looked at his neighbor's shiny new truck with .

2. The toddler's flared up whenever his mom held the new baby.