jealousy

USAGE SUMMARY

'jealousy' is an appropriate and commonly used word in written English.
You can use it to describe envy or insecurity in relationships, possessiveness over property, or any other situation when someone feels resentful or threatened due to the success of another. For example, "She was feeling a wave of jealousy as she watched her friend receive the promotion she wanted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The French imagined a Europe that straddled mercantilism and social democracy, in which Brussels would sponsor industrial and infrastructure "grands projets" (Parisian Keynesians adore grands projets), arousing the jealousy of the Americans.

The Guardian - Opinion

The story had captivated me and stirred my jealousy to such a degree that I could recall the birth almost as a memory of my own – I wanted to return there, as to a favourite page in a favourite book.

The Guardian - Books

"When two people have a relationship and there is a grudge or jealousy or betrayal," says Jack Levin, professor of sociology and criminology at Northeastern University, "then the court is reluctant to charge as a hate offense".

The Guardian - Opinion

That disbelief and people not believing in us at the start has probably now turned into a bit of jealousy.

The Guardian

Have to consider the possibility that I am transcending the human form, which could cause jealousy in cabinet.

The Guardian - Opinion

Kudos to Hawley and his foul mouth: his soundtrack perfectly married the archive clips as we were led seamlessly through seduction, apprehension, jealousy, innocence, frustration, sex, rejection, comfort, elation and heartbreak.

The Guardian

If that system gets driven too far, it can possibly create an overly defensive, hypervigilant state and under those conditions we have what humans might call jealousy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There was no money involved, no jealousy – everyone was equal, playing to the best of their ability in the moment.

The Guardian - Music

That level of steady achievement can create "some level of petty jealousy".

The Guardian

During an exile in Paris where Consuelo joined him, Vasconcelos assembled the notes for the middle volume of his autobiography, The Torment, in which he describes his passion for a woman "with a viper's tongue and a musical body" who drove him wild with jealousy.

The Guardian - Books

The game occupied him so much that, out of jealousy, his first wife, Lydie Fischer Sarazin-Levassor, glued his chess pieces to the board.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing "jealousy", be specific about its source. What is the person envious of – another's relationship, success, or possessions? Providing context adds depth and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "jealousy" lightly. It's a strong emotion, so ensure the context warrants its use. Milder feelings of envy might be better described with words like "desire" or "admiration".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "jealousy" is that of a noun. It refers to a complex emotion characterized by feelings of envy, suspicion, and insecurity, often triggered by a perceived threat to one's relationships or status. Ludwig highlights the diverse contexts in which "jealousy" manifests, ranging from personal relationships to political dynamics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "jealousy" is a commonly used noun that describes a complex emotion involving envy, suspicion, and insecurity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its frequent appearance in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Formal & Business, and scientific domains. While synonyms like "envy" or "resentment" may offer subtle differences in meaning, "jealousy" effectively communicates a sense of emotional distress arising from perceived threats or inequalities. Remember to use the word with precision, ensuring the intensity of the feeling aligns with the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

green-eyed monster

A metaphorical term for jealousy, often used in literature and common speech.

envy

A more general term for feeling discontented or resentful about someone else's possessions or qualities.

resentment

Focuses on the feeling of bitterness or indignation at having been treated unfairly, which can stem from jealousy.

possessiveness

Highlights the desire to control or dominate someone or something, often driven by jealousy.

suspicion

Implies a distrust of someone's motives or actions, often related to jealousy in relationships.

distrust

A lack of confidence or faith in someone, often arising from jealousy in interpersonal relationships.

insecurity

The underlying feeling of uncertainty or anxiety that can fuel jealousy.

covetousness

A strong desire to have something that someone else has, often material possessions.

rivalry

Emphasizes competition and the desire to outdo someone else, which can be linked to jealousy.

apprehension

Focuses on anxiety or fear about something that might happen, often connected to jealousy in uncertain situations.

FAQs

How can I accurately describe the feeling of "jealousy" in my writing?

To describe "jealousy" accurately, focus on the specific emotions and thoughts experienced by the character or individual. Consider the source of the "jealousy", such as another person's success or relationship, and how it affects their behavior.

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

"Envy" involves wanting something that someone else has, while "jealousy" involves fear of losing something you already have. Jealousy often involves a third party who is perceived as a threat. While similar, they are distinct emotions.

What are some synonyms for "jealousy" that I can use to vary my writing?

You can use alternatives like "envy", "resentment", or "possessiveness" depending on the context. These words capture different aspects of the feeling of "jealousy".

How can I use "jealousy" in a sentence?

You can use "jealousy" in a sentence to describe a feeling or state of being, such as "Her success stirred feelings of "jealousy" within him." or "The root of his actions was pure "jealousy"".