envy

The word “envy” means a feeling of resentful longing for something someone else has. In plain terms, wanting what someone else has, often with a touch of resentment.

“Envy” is pronounced EHN-vee (/ˈɛnvi/ in IPA).

Here is “envy” used in a sentence: “His success stirred up envy among his coworkers.”

The opposite of “envy” — its antonyms — is kindness.

Depending on how it is used, “envy” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “envy” comes from Latin. From Old French envie, from Latin invidia, itself from invidere, "to look at with ill will" (in-, "upon" + videre, "to see").

“Envy” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Envy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a feeling of resentful longing for something someone else has.

Envy is a feeling of resentful longing for something someone else has, such as their possessions, qualities, or success. Jealousy typically involves the fear of losing something you already have to a rival. Although the two words are often used interchangeably in casual speech, envy is about wanting what another person has, while jealousy is about protecting what is already yours.

Envy is generally viewed negatively because it centers on resentment toward someone else's advantage or possessions. Some people distinguish a milder form that can motivate self-improvement from a more bitter kind that involves wishing to see the other person lose what they have.

Yes, envy functions as both a noun and a verb. As a verb it means to feel resentful desire for what someone else has, as in "I envy your patience," while the noun form names the feeling itself, as in "a look of envy."