envious disposition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "envious disposition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person's general tendency or attitude of feeling envy towards others. Example: "Her envious disposition often led her to compare herself unfavorably to her friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or envious?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Spoiled and envious, actually.

The New York Times - Books

Magritte would be envious.

The New York Times - Arts

OK…we're totally envious.

Princeton University

"Everyone's envious.

The New York Times - Tech

Their friends are envious.

The New York Times - Arts

"Cubans are very envious".

The New York Times

Bridget would be envious.

Independent

America the envious.

The New York Times

I'm envious.

The New York Times - Tech

Envious friends, but friends.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "envious disposition" with specific triggers (e.g., "His envious disposition flared whenever he saw his neighbor's new car") to create a vivid and relatable image for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "envious disposition" to describe a single, isolated incident of envy. The phrase implies a consistent, underlying character trait, not a one-time emotional response.

Linguistic Context

"Envious disposition" functions as a descriptive phrase, characterizing an individual's inherent tendency towards envy. It modifies an implied or stated subject, indicating a habitual state of mind. The Ludwig AI response confirmed that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "envious disposition" describes a person's inherent tendency towards envy, serving as a descriptive tool for understanding character and motivations. Although grammatically correct, according to Ludwig, its usage is not very common. Alternative phrases like "jealous nature" or "resentful temperament" may offer similar meanings. When using this phrase in your writing, consider its implications and whether it accurately portrays the long-term traits of the subject you are describing. The level of formality is neutral, making it useful in various contexts, as the Ludwig AI suggests, including literary and journalistic fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

jealous nature

Focuses on the inherent trait of jealousy, a core component of an envious disposition.

resentful temperament

Highlights the bitterness and negativity associated with envy.

inclined to envy

Emphasizes a tendency or predisposition towards envious feelings.

prone to jealousy

Indicates a vulnerability or susceptibility to experiencing jealousy.

green-eyed personality

Uses a metaphorical expression to describe a personality marked by envy.

covetous spirit

Suggests a deep-seated desire for what others possess, driving the envious feelings.

jealous mindset

Highlights the cognitive aspect of envy, focusing on thought patterns and beliefs.

bitter attitude

Emphasizes the negativity and resentment that often accompany envy.

competitive nature

Focuses on the underlying drive to outdo others, which can fuel envy.

tendency to compare

Highlights the behavior of constantly comparing oneself to others, a common trigger for envy.

FAQs

How can I describe someone with an "envious disposition"?

You could say they have a "jealous nature", a "resentful temperament", or are simply "inclined to envy".

Is it better to say "envious nature" or "envious disposition"?

"Envious nature" and "envious disposition" are similar, but "disposition" suggests a more ingrained and consistent pattern of behavior. Choose the one that best fits the specific context.

What are the potential causes of an "envious disposition"?

An "envious disposition" can stem from various factors, including low self-esteem, insecurity, and a tendency to compare oneself unfavorably to others.

Can an "envious disposition" be changed?

While challenging, individuals with an "envious disposition" can learn to manage their feelings through self-awareness, therapy, and focusing on their own strengths and accomplishments.