What does "envy" mean?
Resentful desire of something possessed by another or others (but not limited to material possessions).
Envy
/ˈɛnvi/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Resentful desire of something possessed by another or others (but not limited to material possessions).
- Grammar: envy is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: acedia, anger, avarice, avaritia.
- Useful contrasts: contentment, feeling proud, kindness.
- Usage evidence: I envy your lifestyle - living day-to-day like that.
How to use "envy"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "envy" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "envy" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "envy" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "envy" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "envy" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "acedia" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "envy", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Resentful desire of something possessed by another or others (but not limited to material possessions). countable, uncountable
"No bliss enjoyed by us excites his envy more."
- 2 spite and resentment at seeing the success of another (personified as one of the deadly sins) wordnet
- 3 An object of envious notice or feeling. countable, uncountable
"This constitution in former days used to be the envy of the world[.]"
- 4 a feeling of grudging admiration and desire to have something that is possessed by another wordnet
- 5 Hatred, enmity, ill-feeling. countable, obsolete, uncountable
"Syre said laūcelot vnto Arthur by this crye that ye haue made ye wyll put vs that ben aboute yow in grete Ieopardy for there be many Knyghtes that haue grete enuye to vs therfore whan we shal mete at the daye of Iustes there wille be hard skyfte amonge vs"
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 Emulation; rivalry. countable, obsolete, uncountable
"c. 1631-1636, John Ford, The Fancies Chaste and Noble Such as cleanliness and decency Prompt to a virtuous envy."
- 7 Public odium; ill repute. countable, obsolete, uncountable
"to lay the envy of the war upon Cicero"
- 8 A red-skinned variety of eating apple. countable, uncountable
Verb
- 1 To feel displeasure or hatred towards (someone) for their good fortune or possessions. transitive
"Moon and Kim took a cable car together to Heaven Lake, a caldera at the top of the mountain, and walked around the area with their wives and officials from both sides. Pictures showed Moon and Kim smiling and posing with their wives, and Moon filling a bottle with water from the lake. “The Chinese envy us because they can’t go down to the lake from their side but we can,” Kim said. “We should write another chapter of history between the North and the South by reflecting our new history on this Heaven Lake.”"
- 2 be envious of; set one's heart on wordnet
- 3 To resentfully or discontentedly desire (something someone else has that one lacks). transitive
- 4 feel envious towards; admire enviously wordnet
- 5 To have envious feelings (at). intransitive, obsolete
"I do not envy at their wealth, titles, offices;[…]let me live quiet and at ease."
Show 5 more definitions
- 6 To give (something) to (someone) grudgingly or reluctantly; to begrudge. obsolete, transitive
"But that sweet Cordiall, which can restore A loue-sick hart, she did to him enuy[…]."
- 7 To show malice or ill will; to rail. obsolete
"He has[…]envied against the people."
- 8 To do harm to; to injure; to disparage. obsolete
"If I make a lie To gain your love and envy my best mistress, Put me against a wall."
- 9 To hate. obsolete
"Both jealous of my love, envied each other"
- 10 To emulate. obsolete
"Let later age that noble vse enuie, Vile rancour to auoid, and cruell surquedrie"
Antonyms
Example
"I envy your lifestyle - living day-to-day like that."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "envy"?
Common synonyms include: acedia, anger, avarice, avaritia, begrudge, begrudge.
How do you use "envy" in a sentence?
I envy your lifestyle - living day-to-day like that.
How do you pronounce "envy"?
Pronounced /ˈɛnvi/.
Etymology
Etymology tree Old French enviebor. Middle English envie English envy From Middle English envie, from Old French envie, from Latin invidia (“envy”), from invidere (“to look at with malice”), from in- (“on, upon”) + videre (“to look, see”). Doublet of envie. Cognate to Proto-Slavic *zavistь (“envy”). Displaced native Old English æfest.