envy

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'envy' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling of longing to possess something that someone else has. For example, "I felt a pang of envy when I saw my friend's new car."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the 70s it was said the politics of envy was futile, as sharing out the pelf of the rich yielded too little to be worth the fight.

The Guardian - Opinion

Malignant narcissists, though devoured by envy and rage, can still idealise powerful figures whose beliefs conveniently justify the destruction of those they denigrate, says Kernberg.

The Guardian

It is regret when other mothers say they breastfed for longer, envy when other mothers' babies slept through the night from six weeks, and – for me – sadness when you can't see your child half the time because you have 50 50 shared residency.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Our climate, our land, our people, our institutions rightly make us the envy of the earth; except for one thing – we have never fully made peace with the first Australians.

The Guardian - Opinion

At the peak of the Irish economic boom in 2007, lawyer and investor Brian O'Donnell had an empire that was the envy of his contemporaries.

The Guardian

Did they envy us sitting up there with our tumblers of table wine from a hole-in-the-wall shop around the corner where staff filled our empty one-litre water bottles from a wooden barrel for two euros?

The Guardian - Travel

You want us to look even blander?" Attacking young girls for visible signs of sexuality and self-expression is cruel and destructive, and notoriously born of envy.

The Guardian - Opinion

The view from the mainland While the blanket censorship makes it difficult to assess public sentiment towards the protest (state media has taken a hardline on the protests and censors blocked or scrubbed clean social media, mainland citizens have responded to past Hong Kong demonstrations with a mixture of puzzlement, envy and disdain.

The Guardian

But there were high points: the pintucked, pleated blouses in a bright buttercup shade were lovely, and the mini capes caused envy in the audience trying to cope with Manhattan cold yet still look stylish.

The Guardian

By 1968 collective bargaining had secured for an elite class of workers pay and conditions that were not only the envy of nonunionised workers but also of the lower echelons in the labour force in the same trade union.

The Guardian

Lots of coaches would envy me having players who run for 90 minutes like my players do, despite the difficulties they faced," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "envy" to describe a feeling of discontent and longing directed towards someone else's advantages or possessions. Be mindful of the intensity and specific connotations you wish to convey, as other terms like jealousy or resentment may be more appropriate depending on the context.

Common error

Don't use "envy" and jealousy interchangeably. "Envy" is a desire for what another person has, while jealousy involves fear of losing something you already possess. For example, you envy your friend's successful career, but you might be jealous if you suspect your partner is attracted to someone else.

Linguistic Context

The word "envy" functions primarily as both a noun, denoting the feeling of discontent or resentment aroused by someone else's possessions or qualities, and as a transitive verb, indicating the act of feeling this emotion towards someone. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Lifestyle

20%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "envy" is a versatile term used as both a noun and a verb to describe a feeling of longing or resentment towards someone else's advantages or possessions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. As exemplified by Ludwig's numerous examples, it frequently appears in news and media contexts, and its usage is generally considered neutral. While it's important to distinguish "envy" from jealousy, understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts will enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

jealousy

This term emphasizes the feeling of resentment and suspicion that someone else might take what you have.

resentment

Resentment implies a deeper, more prolonged feeling of bitterness and indignation towards someone for their advantages.

covetousness

This highlights a strong desire to possess something belonging to another, often with moral implications.

longing

Longing conveys a sense of yearning and desire, typically for something unattainable or distant.

yearning

Yearning suggests a deep and persistent feeling of wanting something.

desire

A general term indicating a strong feeling of wanting something.

begrudging

This implies a reluctance to see someone else enjoy something.

grudging

Similar to begrudging, this highlights a feeling of resentment when giving or allowing something to someone else.

pining

This expresses a mournful longing, often for something lost or unattainable.

admiring

This focuses on appreciating someone else's qualities or possessions, sometimes with a touch of longing.

FAQs

How can I use "envy" in a sentence?

You can use "envy" to express a feeling of longing for something someone else has. For example, "I felt a pang of "envy" when I saw her beautiful new house"." Or, "Many coaches would "envy me" having players who run for 90 minutes".

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

"Envy" involves wanting something that someone else has, whereas jealousy involves a fear of losing something you already have. "Jealousy" often involves a third party, whereas "envy" is between two people.

What can I say instead of "envy"?

Depending on the context, you could use words like "jealousy", "resentment", "covetousness", or "admiration". Each of these words conveys a slightly different nuance of wanting what someone else has.

Is it correct to say someone is "envious" or do I "envy" them?

Both are correct. "Envious" is an adjective that describes someone who feels "envy". For example, "She was envious of her sister's success". "Envy" can also be used as a verb to describe the act of feeling "envy" towards someone: "I envy her ability to stay calm under pressure".