Thumbnail Image

Confusing words- Jealousy vs Envy

Elena

Hi all,

I often come across people who confuse these two words and use them incorrectly. Let's see what the actual difference is:

Jealousy and envy both involve a feeling of desire or what another person has, but jealousy is usually considered to be more negative- it often involves resentment towards the other person. Envy is also an unpleasant feeling- a mixture of admiration and discontent- but there's usually no hostility involved:
  • I envy people who don't get stressed out easily.
  • I don't envy your heavy workload (also used in negative form).
  • He was jealous of his colleague's promotion (rivalry).
  • A jealous husband or wife.
I hope it all makes sense!

Added to Saved

This column was published by the author in their personal capacity.
The opinions expressed in this column are the author's own and do not reflect the view of Cafetalk.

Comments (0)

Login to Comment Log in »
Premium ribbon

from:

in:

Unterrichtet

Language Fluency

Englisch   Native
Griechisch   Native
Französisch   Just a few words

Elena's beliebteste Kolumneneinträge

« Back to List of Tutor's Column
Got a question? Click to Chat