envy — a feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɛnvi/
Example Sentences
- His Instagram posts are designed to make everyone envy his perfect life.
- She watched her neighbor's delivery packages with envy every day.
- The company's success became the envy of its competitors.
envy
NOUN[/ˈɛnvi/]
a feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck
She stares at her friend's shiny new bike with obvious envy.
Envy grows heavy, demanding its levy
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old French 'envie' meaning desire or longing, derived from Latin 'invidia' (from 'invidus' meaning envious), which comes from the prefix 'in-' (toward) plus 'videre' (to see), literally meaning 'to look at with ill will'.
Breakdown
in- (toward/against) + vid (see) + -ia (noun suffix) = invidia (Latin) → envie (Old French) → envy (English)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“His Instagram posts are designed to make everyone envy his perfect life.”
“She watched her neighbor's delivery packages with envy every day.”
“The company's success became the envy of its competitors.”
“I envy people who can fall asleep within five minutes.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.