harbour envy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "harbour envy" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to possess or hide feelings of jealousy or resentment towards someone or something. Example: Sarah couldn't help but harbour envy towards her coworker who had received a promotion instead of her.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Careers

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Make opportunities, don't harbour envy towards those who have landed a job.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Maybe head to the pretty village of Frikes, then back to Vathi for dinner at one of the many tavernas on the harbour front, where you can indulge in a spot of yacht envy.

The Guardian - Travel

Why envy?

The New York Times - Science

"Complete envy!

The New Yorker

In English, envy is envy.

The New Yorker

"Missile Envy".

The New York Times

Envy, maybe?

The Guardian - Business

Pure envy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Envy has.

The New York Times - Sports

Phone envy.

The New York Times - Magazine

Penis envy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "harbour envy", consider the implications of concealing such feelings. The phrase carries a connotation of suppressed resentment or bitterness.

Common error

Avoid using "harbour envy" when describing openly expressed jealousy. The term implies a hidden or suppressed feeling. Instead, opt for phrases like "openly jealous" or "overtly envious" to convey the lack of concealment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "harbour envy" functions as a verb phrase, where "harbour" acts as a transitive verb taking "envy" as its direct object. This signifies the action of holding or concealing feelings of envy. Ludwig confirms its usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Travel

33%

Careers

34%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "harbour envy" signifies the act of concealing or suppressing feelings of envy. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, though its relatively rare usage suggests it is more suitable for specific contexts where the internal nature of the emotion is emphasized. While synonyms like "be jealous of" exist, "harbour envy" adds a layer of complexity, implying a hidden or unacknowledged resentment. It's important to avoid confusing this with openly expressed jealousy, as the term specifically denotes a concealed emotion. Therefore, careful consideration of the context and the intended nuance is crucial when employing "harbour envy" in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel envious

A simpler, more straightforward way of expressing the feeling of envy.

be green with envy

An idiomatic expression that vividly describes intense envy.

resent someone's success

Specifically targets the feeling of envy related to another's achievements.

be jealous of

A more direct and common way to express envy.

grudge someone something

Indicates reluctance to accept someone else's good fortune.

bear jealousy

Indicates the act of carrying the emotion of jealousy.

hold resentment

Focuses on the act of maintaining negative feelings over time.

feel bitterness

Implies a stronger, more negative emotion than simple envy.

covet someone's possessions

Emphasizes the desire for material things that someone else owns.

nurse a grudge

Suggests a long-held and often unjustified feeling of resentment.

FAQs

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

You can use "harbour envy" to describe someone who secretly resents another person's success or possessions. For example: "She tried to be happy for her friend's promotion, but deep down, she couldn't help but "harbour envy"".

What does it mean to "harbour" a feeling?

To "harbour" a feeling means to hold onto it, often secretly or without expressing it openly. It suggests a deliberate act of keeping the feeling alive within oneself.

What are some synonyms for "harbour envy"?

Similar phrases include "hold resentment", "feel bitterness", and "be jealous of". The best alternative depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to express envy or "harbour" it?

While honesty is generally valued, expressing envy directly can damage relationships. "Harbouring" it can lead to internal resentment. Finding a healthy way to acknowledge and process the feeling, perhaps through self-reflection or seeking guidance, is often the most constructive approach.