Main Entry:

jeal·ous

Pronunciation:

\ˈje-ləs\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

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

Date:

13th century

1 a: intolerant of rivalry or unfaithfulness b: disposed to suspect rivalry or unfaithfulness2: hostile toward a rival or one believed to enjoy an advantage3: vigilant in guarding a possession <new colonies were jealous of their new independence — Scott Buchanan>

— jeal·ous·ly adverb

— jeal·ous·ness noun