Envy Definition

ĕnvē
envied, envies, envying
noun
envies
A feeling of discontent and ill will because of another's advantages, possessions, etc.; resentful dislike of another who has something that one desires.
Webster's New World
Desire for some advantage, quality, etc. that another has.
Webster's New World
An object of envious feeling.
Her new role makes her the envy of every actress in town.
Webster's New World
Malevolence.
American Heritage
Ill will; spite.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
verb
envied, envies, envying
To feel envy toward, at, or because of; regard with envy.
Webster's New World
To feel or show envy.
Webster's New World
To regard (something) with envy.
American Heritage
To feel displeasure or hatred towards (someone) for their good fortune or possessions. [from 14th c.]
Wiktionary
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
  • be content
  • be confident

Other Word Forms of Envy

Noun

Singular:
envy
Plural:
envies

Origin of Envy

  • From Middle English envie, from Old French envie, from Latin invidia (“envy”), from invidere (“to look at with malice”) from in + videre ("on, upon" + "to look, see"). Displaced native Middle English ande, onde (“envy”) (from Old English anda, onda (“breath, emotion, envy, hatred, grudge, dislike”)), Middle English nithe, nith (“envy, malice”) (from Old English nīþ (“envy, hatred, malice, spite, jealousy”)).

    From Wiktionary

  • Middle English envie from Old French from Latin invidia from invidus envious from invidēre to look at with envy in- in, on en–1 vidēre to see weid- in Indo-European roots V., from Middle English envien from Old French envier from Latin invidēre

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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