jealous

jeal·ous

adj \ˈje-ləs\

Definition of JEALOUS

1

a : intolerant of rivalry or unfaithfulness b : disposed to suspect rivalry or unfaithfulness

2

: hostile toward a rival or one believed to enjoy an advantage

3

: vigilant in guarding a possession <new colonies were jealous of their new independence — Scott Buchanan>

— jeal·ous·ly adverb

— jeal·ous·ness noun

Examples of JEALOUS

1. His success has made some of his old friends jealous.
2. She became very jealous whenever he talked to other women.
3. He was in a jealous rage.

Origin of JEALOUS

Middle English jelous, from Anglo-French gelus, from Vulgar Latin *zelosus, from Late Latin zelus zeal — more at zeal

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to JEALOUS

Synonyms: possessive

Antonyms: unenvious

Related Words: controlling, demanding, domineering, grasping; covetous, envious, invidious, jaundiced; distrustful, mistrustful, suspicious; overprotective, protective

Near Antonyms: undemanding; permissive, tolerant, tolerating, trustful, trusting, understanding

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide

Rhymes with JEALOUS

Hellas, trellis, zealous