envy

¹en·vy

noun \ˈen-vē\

plural envies

Definition of ENVY

1

: painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another joined with a desire to possess the same advantage

2

obsolete : malice

3

: an object of envious notice or feeling <his new car made him the envy of his friends>

Examples of ENVY

1. my envy of his success
2. Their exotic vacations inspired envy in their friends.
3. We watched with envy as the yacht slid past us.

Origin of ENVY

Middle English envie, from Anglo-French, from Latin invidia, from invidus envious, from invidēre to look askance at, envy, from in- + vidēre to see — more at wit

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to ENVY

Synonyms: covetousness, enviousness, green-eyed monster, invidiousness, jealousy, resentment

Related Words: animosity, enmity, hatred, ill will; malice, maliciousness, spitefulness

Near Antonyms: benevolence, goodwill, kindness, sympathy

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