Jealousy vs. Envy

synonyms

Do you think a 'jealous' person is different from an 'envious' one? Well, If you wanna go into the details like me, I suggest you join me in this lesson.

What Is Their Main Difference?

Both refer to feeling angry and resentful towards someone/something. However, 'jealousy' is when there are three people and the 'jealous' person feels kind of unsure and overprotective of his/her significant other. 'Envy', on the other hand, requires two people and it is a feeling of wanting what someone else has. It can be physical or materialistic and go on to issues like status, position, etc.

Differences

As stated above, When someone is 'jealous', he/she does feel insecure inside and gets angry when his/her significant other interacts with a third party. So, it involves three people. Look at the following examples:

Someone's jealous that I spent my weekend with my friends!

Robert, your jealousy has become unbearable to me.

'Envy', on the contrary, refers to a hidden desire of wanting what someone else has. It can be ice cream to a promotion at work. Look at the examples below:

They say don't compare your life to others because you'll be left with envy and it is harmful to your emotional wellbeing.

I envy your kind parents.

Similarities

Both are complex feelings and only fuel anger and hatred towards others. Therefore, both are harmful to one's emotional wellbeing. Take a look at the examples below:

I still remember the day the whole class gave me a round of applause and she kept staring at me, her eyes filled with envy.

Do you think women tend to get jealous easier or men?

Are They Interchangeable?

Some people may use these two interchangeably, but remember that it is incorrect to do so. As mentioned above, 'envy' involves two people, whereas, 'jealousy' involves three people. Compare:

✓ My ex was jealous of how intimate I was with my friends.

X My ex was envious of how intimate I was with my friends.

This one is not common among native speakers.

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