Jealousy - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT jealousy /ˈdʒɛləsi/ /ˈdʒɛləsi/ IPA guide

Other forms: jealousies

Jealousy is that unpleasant emotion you feel when you think someone’s trying to take what’s yours. Jealousy might creep up on you if someone flirts with your sweetie or copies your unique style.

Jealousy is called the "green-eyed monster" because it can make people obsessed with how they compare to others, always trying to beat their rivals by calling attention to what they have and seeing if the rivals have any reaction. Don't confuse jealousy with envy, which can sometimes be a slightly more positive emotion. If you envy your friend's athleticism, you wish you had it too, but you also admire her dedication.

Definitions of jealousy

noun a feeling of jealous envy (especially of a rival) synonyms: green-eyed monster see moresee less type of: enviousness, envy a feeling of grudging admiration and desire to have something that is possessed by another
noun zealous vigilance “"cherish their official political freedom with fierce jealousy"-Paul Blanshard” see moresee less type of: alertness, vigilance, wakefulness, watchfulness the process of paying close and continuous attention

Pronunciation US /ˈdʒɛləsi/ UK /ˈdʒɛləsi/ Cite this entry Style: MLA

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Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘jealousy'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Commonly confused words

envy / jealousy

It’s no fun to feel envy or jealousy because both make you feel inadequate. Envy is when you want what someone else has, but jealousy is when you’re worried someone’s trying to take what you have. If you want your neighbor’s new convertible, you feel envy. If she takes your husband for a ride, you feel jealousy.

Word Family

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