Jealousy vs. Envy — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 12, 2023
Jealousy involves fear of losing something to another, while envy is wanting what someone else has. Jealousy can be protective; envy is desirous.
Difference Between Jealousy and Envy
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Jealousy and envy are two emotions that are often used interchangeably, but they signify distinct feelings and arise from different situations. Jealousy is the emotion that surfaces when we fear we might lose something we have—like a relationship or position—to someone else. For example, if someone feels threatened by another person's closeness with their partner, they might feel jealous.
Envy, on the other hand, arises when we desire what someone else possesses. It's a covetous emotion rooted in the longing for something we don't have, be it material possessions, qualities, or achievements. For instance, seeing a friend's success might provoke feelings of envy if we wish we had achieved the same.
Jealousy often has a protective component. This emotion can act as a warning signal, pushing individuals to safeguard what they value. If someone senses potential competition in their romantic relationship, jealousy might drive them to be more attentive to their partner.
Envy lacks this protective component. It is a more straightforward emotion driven by a sense of lack. When we see someone with a luxury car or a skill we wish we had, envy reminds us of what we perceive as our deficiencies.
Both jealousy and envy are complex emotions, integral to the human experience. While they have their distinctions, both can serve as mirrors, reflecting our deep-seated desires, insecurities, and values.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Fear of losing something (e.g., affection) to another.
Desire for what someone else possesses.
Rooted in
Possession or relationship.
Lack or absence.
Protective component
Yes, acts to safeguard valued relationships or possessions.
No, purely desirous.
Common scenarios
Feeling threatened by a partner's close friend.
Coveting a friend's success or possessions.
Relationship focus
Often revolves around personal relationships.
Often focuses on material or abstract qualities.
Compare with Definitions
Jealousy
An uneasy feeling arising from the suspicion of a rival's advantage.
The constant praise her sister received filled her with jealousy.
Envy
Feeling of discontent or covetousness regarding another's advantages.
His promotion stirred envy among his colleagues.
Jealousy
Resentment against someone for an advantage they might take.
The jealousy he felt made him reconsider their friendship.
Envy
Resentment arising from not having qualities or possessions possessed by another.
The prodigy's talent was a source of envy for many.
Jealousy
A feeling of unease about a potential threat to one's possession or relationship.
She felt a pang of jealousy when she saw him talking to her best friend.
Envy
A sense of inferiority based on someone else's achievements or assets.
Watching the award ceremony filled him with envy.
Jealousy
A protective emotion aiming to preserve what one values.
Her jealousy became evident when she asked about the new colleague he mentioned.
Envy
Envy (from Latin invidia) is an emotion which occurs when a person lacks another's superior quality, achievement, or possession and either desires it or wishes that the other lacked it.Aristotle defined envy as pain at the sight of another's good fortune, stirred by "those who have what we ought to have". Bertrand Russell said that envy was one of the most potent causes of unhappiness.
Jealousy
The apprehension or fear of being replaced or supplanted.
His outstanding performance sparked jealousy among his peers.
Envy
A feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck
She felt a twinge of envy for the people on board
Jealousy
The state or feeling of being jealous
Resentments and jealousies festered
A sharp pang of jealousy
Envy
Desire to have a quality, possession, or other desirable thing belonging to (someone else)
I envy Jane her happiness
He envied people who did not have to work at the weekends
Jealousy
A jealous attitude or disposition. See Usage Note at jealous.
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.
Jealousy
Close vigilance.
Envy
The object of such feeling
Their new pool made them the envy of their neighbors.
Jealousy
A state of being jealous; a jealous attitude.
Envy
(Obsolete) Malevolence.
Jealousy
(archaic) A close concern for someone or something, solicitude, vigilance.
Envy
To feel envy toward (another person).
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.
Envy
To regard (something) with envy.
Jealousy
A feeling of jealous envy (especially of a rival)
Envy
Resentful desire of something possessed by another or others (but not limited to material possessions).
Jealousy
Zealous vigilance;
Cherish their official political freedom with fierce jealousy
Envy
An object of envious notice or feeling.
Envy
(obsolete) Hatred, enmity, ill-feeling.
Envy
(obsolete) Emulation; rivalry.
Envy
(obsolete) Public odium; ill repute.
Envy
A red-skinned variety of eating apple.
Envy
(transitive) To feel displeasure or hatred towards (someone) for their good fortune or possessions.
Envy
(transitive) To resentfully or discontentedly desire (something someone else has that one lacks).
Envy
To have envious feelings (at).
Envy
To give (something) to (someone) grudgingly or reluctantly; to begrudge.
Envy
(obsolete) To show malice or ill will; to rail.
Envy
(obsolete) To do harm to; to injure; to disparage.
Envy
(obsolete) To hate.
Envy
(obsolete) To emulate.
Envy
Malice; ill will; spite.
If he evade us there,Enforce him with his envy to the people.
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.
Envy
Emulation; rivalry.
Such as cleanliness and decencyPrompt to a virtuous envy.
Envy
Public odium; ill repute.
To lay the envy of the war upon Cicero.
Envy
An object of envious notice or feeling.
This constitution in former days used to be the envy of the world.
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.
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.
Envy
To long after; to desire strongly; to covet.
Or climb his knee the envied kiss to share.
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.
Envy
To hate.
Envy
To emulate.
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?
Envy
To show malice or ill will; to rail.
Envy
A feeling of grudging admiration and desire to have something possessed by another
Envy
Spite and resentment at seeing the success of another (personified as one of the deadly sins)
Envy
Feel envious towards; admire enviously
Envy
Be envious of; set one's heart on
Envy
A desire to have what someone else possesses.
She looked at the luxury cars with a hint of envy.
Envy
A longing for another's attributes, possessions, or status.
She couldn't hide her envy when her friend showcased her new designer dress.
Common Curiosities
What typically triggers envy?
Observing someone else's possessions, successes, or qualities that one desires.
Can envy motivate people?
Yes, it can inspire individuals to achieve or obtain what they desire, though excessive envy can be harmful.
Are jealousy and envy the same?
No, jealousy is about losing what you have, while envy is about wanting what someone else has.
Can envy exist without jealousy?
Yes, one can envy someone's assets without fearing the loss of their own.
Can envy be considered admiration?
Not exactly. While admiration respects someone's qualities, envy desires those qualities.
Which emotion has a protective component, jealousy or envy?
Jealousy has a protective component.
Why do we feel envy?
It can arise from social comparison, personal aspirations, or perceived inadequacies.
How can one overcome envy?
By practicing gratitude, focusing on personal growth, and avoiding excessive comparison.
Can jealousy be positive?
Yes, in moderate amounts, it can serve as a protective emotion to safeguard relationships or possessions.
How can one manage jealousy?
By understanding its root causes, communicating feelings, and building trust.
Is jealousy more related to relationships?
Often yes, jealousy frequently revolves around personal relationships and potential threats to them.
Is jealousy always negative?
Not necessarily. It can be a sign of valuing something, but excessive jealousy can be harmful.
Is jealousy always rooted in insecurity?
Not always, but feelings of insecurity can heighten jealousy.
How does culture influence envy?
Cultural values can determine what is enviable, such as wealth, beauty, or achievements.
Can jealousy be found in non-human animals?
Yes, some animals display behaviors suggesting jealousy, especially around mates or resources.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
