Envy vs Jealousy

Envy vs Jealousy – What’s the Difference?

Hello English learners! Do you ever feel envious or jealous of someone? These two words are often used as if they mean the same thing, but in English, there’s a subtle difference. Let’s explore it together with plenty of examples so you will never mix them up again! Envy vs Jealousy

Envy – wanting what someone else has

Meaning: You feel envy when you wish you had something that belongs to someone else — it could be their success, appearance, possessions, or even qualities.

Structure:

• to envy someone
• to be envious of someone/something

Examples:

• I envy people who can speak several languages fluently.
• She was envious of her friend’s beautiful garden.
• Don’t envy others — work hard for your own success.
• He envied his brother’s ability to stay calm under pressure.
• I’m envious of how confident she is when speaking in public.

Tip:

Envy is usually about things, abilities, or achievements that you don’t have. Envy vs Jealousy

Jealousy – fear of losing what you have

Meaning: You feel jealous when you are afraid someone might take something (or someone) that belongs to you. It is most often used in romantic or emotional situations.

Structure:

to be jealous of someone/something

Examples:

• Tom felt jealous when he saw his girlfriend talking to another man.
• She gets jealous easily, even when there’s no reason.
• Don’t be jealous — your time will come.
• He was jealous of his colleague’s good relationship with the boss.
• Children are often jealous when their parents give attention to a new baby.

Tip:

Jealousy involves fear, possession, or rivalry — it’s more emotional and personal. Envy vs Jealousy

Compare: envy vs jealousy

Envy vs Jealousy

Expressions with envy and jealousy

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