Envy vs. Jealousy: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on November 23, 2023
Envy is wanting what someone else has, while jealousy is fearing losing what you have to someone else.
Key Differences
Envy is often a two-person situation, where one desires the attributes or possessions of another. Jealousy typically involves three people, where the individual feels threatened by a third party to something they value, especially in relationships.
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Nov 21, 2023
The emotion of envy can be silent and internal, manifesting as a longing for what others have. On the other hand, jealousy is often more vocal and external, driven by the fear of losing someone or something to another.
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Nov 21, 2023
Envy can sometimes motivate self-improvement or a desire to achieve more. In contrast, jealousy often breeds insecurity and can lead to controlling or suspicious behavior in relationships.
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Nov 21, 2023
Envy involves wanting what someone else possesses, such as their success, beauty, or possessions, without necessarily wishing them harm. In contrast, jealousy centers around the fear of losing something one already has, like a relationship, to a perceived rival.
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Nov 21, 2023
Envy doesn't necessarily impact relationships directly, as it often doesn't involve a loved one. Jealousy, however, directly affects relationships, as it stems from a fear of being replaced or losing someone's attention or affection.
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Nov 21, 2023
Comparison Chart
Emotional Focus
Desire for others' possessions/traits.
Fear of losing something one has.
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Nov 21, 2023
Behavioral Expression
Often silent and internal.
Vocal, external, can be controlling.
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Resulting Actions
Can lead to self-improvement.
Often causes insecurity and suspicion.
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Nov 21, 2023
Envy and Jealousy Definitions
Envy
A feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to someone's advantages or possessions.
She felt envy when she saw her friend's new car.
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Nov 17, 2023
Jealousy
Hostility toward a rival or one believed to enjoy an advantage.
His jealousy was evident when he spoke bitterly about his brother's new car.
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Nov 17, 2023
Envy
Resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck.
Her success in the music industry sparked envy among her peers.
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Nov 17, 2023
Jealousy
A resentful suspicion or rivalry in love, especially regarding a spouse or lover.
Their marriage was troubled by his constant jealousy over her friendships.
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Nov 17, 2023
Envy
The feeling of wanting to be in someone else's position or have their achievements.
He looked with envy at the world travelers in his social media feed.
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Nov 17, 2023
Jealousy
A state or feeling of being envious of someone's achievements or advantages.
His jealousy of her career success strained their relationship.
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Nov 17, 2023
Envy
A feeling of discontent and resentment aroused by and in conjunction with desire for the possessions or qualities of another. See Usage Note at jealous.
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Oct 19, 2023
Jealousy
Feeling or showing envy of someone or their achievements and advantages.
She couldn't hide her jealousy when her friend won the award.
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Nov 17, 2023
Envy
The object of such feeling
Their new pool made them the envy of their neighbors.
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Jealousy
Vigilant in guarding something one possesses or desires, especially in reference to a romantic or sexual relationship.
Her jealousy often caused arguments with her partner about his friendships.
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Nov 17, 2023
Envy
Resentful desire of something possessed by another or others (but not limited to material possessions).
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Oct 19, 2023
Jealousy
(archaic) A close concern for someone or something, solicitude, vigilance.
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Oct 19, 2023
Jealousy
The quality of being jealous; earnest concern or solicitude; painful apprehension of rivalship in cases directly affecting one's happiness; painful suspicion of the faithfulness of husband, wife, or lover.
I was jealous for jealousy.
Jealousy is the . . . apprehension of superiority.
Whoever had qualities to alarm our jealousy, had excellence to deserve our fondness.
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Oct 19, 2023
Jealousy
Zealous vigilance;
Cherish their official political freedom with fierce jealousy
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Envy
(transitive) To feel displeasure or hatred towards (someone) for their good fortune or possessions.
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Oct 19, 2023
Envy
(transitive) To resentfully or discontentedly desire (something someone else has that one lacks).
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Envy
To give (something) to (someone) grudgingly or reluctantly; to begrudge.
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Envy
Malice; ill will; spite.
If he evade us there,Enforce him with his envy to the people.
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Oct 19, 2023
Envy
Chagrin, mortification, discontent, or uneasiness at the sight of another's excellence or good fortune, accompanied with some degree of hatred and a desire to possess equal advantages; malicious grudging; - usually followed by of; as, they did this in envy of Cæsar.
Envy is a repining at the prosperity or good of another, or anger and displeasure at any good of another which we want, or any advantage another hath above us.
No blissEnjoyed by us excites his envy more.
Envy, to which the ignoble mind's a slave,Is emulation in the learned or brave.
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Oct 19, 2023
Envy
Emulation; rivalry.
Such as cleanliness and decencyPrompt to a virtuous envy.
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Envy
An object of envious notice or feeling.
This constitution in former days used to be the envy of the world.
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Oct 19, 2023
Envy
To feel envy at or towards; to be envious of; to have a feeling of uneasiness or mortification in regard to (any one), arising from the sight of another's excellence or good fortune and a longing to possess it.
A woman does not envy a man for his fighting courage, nor a man a woman for her beauty.
Whoever envies another confesses his superiority.
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Oct 19, 2023
Envy
To feel envy on account of; to have a feeling of grief or repining, with a longing to possess (some excellence or good fortune of another, or an equal good fortune, etc.); to look with grudging upon; to begrudge.
I have seen thee fight,When I have envied thy behavior.
Jeffrey . . . had actually envied his friends their cool mountain breezes.
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Oct 19, 2023
Envy
To long after; to desire strongly; to covet.
Or climb his knee the envied kiss to share.
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Oct 19, 2023
Envy
To do harm to; to injure; to disparage.
If I make a lieTo gain your love and envy my best mistress,Put me against a wall.
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Oct 19, 2023
Envy
To be filled with envious feelings; to regard anything with grudging and longing eyes; - used especially with at.
Who would envy at the prosperity of the wicked?
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Oct 19, 2023
Envy
A feeling of grudging admiration and desire to have something possessed by another
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Oct 19, 2023
Envy
Spite and resentment at seeing the success of another (personified as one of the deadly sins)
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Oct 19, 2023
Envy
The desire to have a quality, possession, or other desirable attribute belonging to someone else.
He envied his colleague's natural ability to speak confidently.
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Nov 17, 2023
Envy
Discontented or resentful longing for another's advantages.
Her promotion stirred a sense of envy in her coworker.
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Nov 17, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is jealousy?
Jealousy is the fear of losing something or someone to a rival.
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Nov 21, 2023
What is envy?
Envy is a longing for others' achievements, qualities, or possessions.
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Nov 21, 2023
How do envy and jealousy affect relationships?
Envy generally affects relationships indirectly, while jealousy directly impacts them, often negatively.
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Nov 21, 2023
Does jealousy have any positive aspects?
Rarely; it's usually seen as harmful, particularly in relationships.
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Nov 21, 2023
Can envy be positive?
Envy can sometimes motivate self-improvement, though it's often negative.
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Nov 21, 2023
Is it normal to feel envy or jealousy?
Feeling them occasionally is normal, but frequent or intense feelings can be problematic.
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Nov 21, 2023
Is jealousy only relevant in romantic relationships?
No, it can occur in friendships and even professional relationships.
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Nov 21, 2023
Are there cultural differences in how envy and jealousy are perceived?
Yes, cultural attitudes towards these emotions can vary significantly.
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Nov 21, 2023
Are envy and jealousy solely human emotions?
While primarily human, similar behaviors are observed in some animals.
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Nov 21, 2023
Are envy and jealousy interrelated?
They can be, as jealousy sometimes stems from envy.
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Nov 21, 2023
Does age affect feelings of envy and jealousy?
Age can influence how these emotions are experienced and expressed.
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Nov 21, 2023
Can envy turn into jealousy?
Yes, if envy involves a loved one, it can evolve into jealousy.
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Nov 21, 2023
How can one manage envy?
By focusing on self-improvement and gratitude for one's own life.
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Nov 21, 2023
Do children experience envy and jealousy?
Yes, children can feel both, often in simpler forms.
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Nov 21, 2023
Can envy be inspired by social media?
Absolutely, social media can often amplify feelings of envy.
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Nov 21, 2023
Can envy and jealousy influence workplace dynamics?
Definitely, these emotions can significantly impact professional relationships and environments.
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Nov 21, 2023
How can one deal with jealousy?
Through communication, trust-building, and addressing insecurities.
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Nov 21, 2023
Can therapy help with envy and jealousy?
Yes, therapy can be beneficial in understanding and managing these emotions.
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Nov 21, 2023
Is jealousy always obvious?
Not always, as some people may hide their jealousy.
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Nov 21, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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