feeling envious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feeling envious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a sense of jealousy or desire for what someone else has. Example: "After seeing her new car, I couldn't help but admit that I was feeling envious of her good fortune."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

But, far from feeling envious of the opportunities and rewards offered to today's youth, Rosler feels he had it easy compared to players trying to forge a career now.

BBC

An eighth is envy, often feeling envious of others.

The New Yorker

I looked through a bunch and noticed I was feeling envious of those women.

The Guardian - Opinion

By Act II, he can't even listen to music without feeling envious and resentful of Schubert.

The New York Times

Keeping up with the neighbors — or feeling envious of them — is the theme of several other stories in this volume too.

The New York Times - Books

No one would deny that feeling envy is unpleasant, or that feeling envious sometimes leads us down a path we wish we hadn't taken.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

I couldn't help but feel envious but I let those feelings motivate me.

The Guardian - Music

Feel envious of the Jews?

Huffington Post

I returned to London believing that there was something wrong with these people while feeling faintly envious of them.

Independent

Every walk to the NICU I went past the rooms of other moms with their newborns, feeling mostly envious.

Huffington Post

She probably isn't feeling quite as envious now.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing envy, be specific about the object of your envy to provide clarity and context. For example, "feeling envious of her success" is more informative than simply "feeling envious".

Common error

Avoid using "feeling envious" interchangeably with "feeling jealous" without considering the nuance. Envy is wanting what someone else has, while jealousy is fearing losing what you already have. Use the correct word to accurately convey your emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeling envious" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a subject to describe their emotional state. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a valid and common expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feeling envious" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the emotion of envy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, and to a lesser extent in scientific and wiki sources. When using this phrase, it's important to differentiate it from "feeling jealous", as envy involves wanting what another has, while jealousy involves fearing the loss of something one already possesses. To add further clarity or context, consider specifying the object of your envy. Keep also in mind that, although usable in every context, this expression is more typical in informal contexts than in formal ones.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experiencing envy

Focuses on the act of experiencing the emotion rather than the state of being.

harboring envy

Suggests a more sustained and internal feeling of envy.

being jealous

Interchangeable in many contexts, but "jealous" often implies a fear of losing something.

consumed by envy

Highlights the intensity and dominating nature of the envious feeling.

green with envy

An idiomatic expression that vividly describes the feeling of envy.

coveting

Implies a strong desire for something that belongs to someone else.

resentful of

Indicates bitterness and anger towards someone because of their possessions or success.

longing for

Focuses on the desire for what someone else has, rather than the negative emotion of envy.

admiring with envy

Acknowledges admiration alongside the envious feeling, suggesting a mixed emotion.

wishing I had

A simpler, more direct expression of wanting what someone else possesses.

FAQs

How can I use "feeling envious" in a sentence?

You can use "feeling envious" to express a sense of longing or resentment towards someone else's possessions or achievements. For example, "I was "feeling envious" of my friend's new job."

What's the difference between "feeling envious" and "feeling jealous"?

"Feeling envious" describes wanting something that someone else has, while "feeling jealous" implies a fear of losing something you already possess. For instance, you might be feeling "feeling envious" of a colleague's promotion, but feeling "feeling jealous" if your partner spends too much time with someone else.

What can I say instead of "feeling envious"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "experiencing envy", "harboring envy", or "being jealous".

Is it always negative to express "feeling envious"?

Expressing you are "feeling envious" can be perceived negatively if it comes across as bitterness or resentment. However, it can also be a motivation for self-improvement, inspiring you to work towards achieving similar goals or acquiring desired possessions.