arouse envy

USAGE SUMMARY

"arouse envy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is so good or desirable that it causes envy in other people. For example: "The celebrity's glamorous lifestyle and glamorous possessions aroused envy in many of their peers".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

If I want to arouse envy among my friends (and who doesn't?), all I need to do is mention that I am building a walk-in closet.

The New York Times

With a free-spirited English-speaking mother and a father who helps with housework ("Malays who have forgotten their roots," grumbles a local busybody), Orked's family is as likely to arouse envy as it is disapproval.

The New York Times

Inside you have to blend in, if someone stands out, they arouse envy and called a whore.

Vice

That was the best thing about Monty - he didn't arouse envy.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is a record that would arouse envy in Vladimir Putin of Russia or Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus.

The Times

Guided tours through this opulent brownstone mansion suggest a lavishness that might arouse envy in Donald Trump.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

In Francis's view, property, by arousing envy and, therefore, conflict, was the one thing most destructive to peace in the world.

The New Yorker

Goldman's traders have long aroused envy across Wall Street for their ability to prosper in markets good and bad, but they lost the Midas touch in the spring, especially when it came to trading stocks.

The New York Times

Less than nine years later Prussia had been victorious in three wars, and a unified German Empire had emerged in the heart of Europe, arousing envy and fear among its rivals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Adams's ability to attract lofty epithets has aroused envy among his colleagues, but he has won his eminence fair and square: he has aimed high, he has addressed life as it is lived now, and he has found a language that makes sense to a wide audience.

The New Yorker

Rosenberg zeroed in on Adams because she considers him "the greatest composer alive". Adams's ability to attract lofty epithets has aroused envy among his colleagues, but he has won his eminence fair and square: he has aimed high, he has addressed life as it is lived now, and he has found a language that makes sense to a wide audience.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "arouse envy", consider the context and ensure it aligns with the intended tone; it's often appropriate when describing achievements, possessions, or qualities that are highly desirable.

Common error

Avoid using "arouse envy" in situations where admiration or respect would be more fitting; reserve it for scenarios where genuine envy is the intended emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arouse envy" functions as a verb phrase. It typically describes an action that causes a specific emotion, envy, in others. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, highlighting its capacity to denote the act of instigating this feeling.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "arouse envy" is a grammatically correct and understandable expression that means to cause feelings of envy. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s usable in written English to indicate that something is so good or desirable that it causes envy in other people. While it’s not the most common phrase, it is used in diverse contexts, particularly within news and media, encyclopedias and scientific writing. When using this phrase, writers should ensure the context is appropriate, reserving it for scenarios where the emotion of envy is genuinely intended. Alternatives like "incite envy", "spark envy", and "trigger envy" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incite envy

This alternative uses 'incite' to suggest a more deliberate or provocative action in causing envy.

spark envy

This alternative uses 'spark' to imply a sudden and often unexpected onset of envy.

trigger envy

This alternative uses 'trigger' to suggest a reactive or conditional cause of envy.

generate envy

This alternative uses 'generate' to focus on the creation or production of envy as a result.

evoke envy

This alternative uses 'evoke' to indicate that something subtly brings about feelings of envy.

create envy

This alternative uses 'create' to mean to bring envy into existence.

instigate envy

This alternative uses 'instigate' to highlight a more initiating or manipulative aspect of causing envy.

provoke envy

This alternative uses 'provoke' to suggest that there's a challenging or irritating stimulus to the feeling of envy.

stir up envy

This alternative is more colloquial, suggesting that envy is being encouraged or awoken.

foster envy

This alternative implies a nurturing or developing of envy over time.

FAQs

How can I use "arouse envy" in a sentence?

You can use "arouse envy" to describe something that causes others to feel jealous or covetous. For example, "Her luxurious vacation photos "aroused envy" among her friends."

What can I say instead of "arouse envy"?

You can use alternatives like "incite envy", "spark envy", or "trigger envy" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "arouse envy" or "attract envy"?

"Arouse envy" suggests actively causing or provoking envy, while "attract envy" implies passively drawing envy, like a magnet. The best choice depends on whether the subject is intentionally or unintentionally causing envy.

What's the difference between "arouse envy" and "inspire jealousy"?

"Arouse envy" typically refers to a more general feeling of covetousness or longing for what someone else has. "Inspire jealousy" often suggests a more possessive or resentful feeling, particularly in relationships or situations involving rivalry.