There are many words in English that have very similar definitions, so similar that it’s difficult to tell some of these words apart at times. Jealousy and envy are two such words.
People treat these words as synonyms constantly, but do they really have the same meanings? If you look at the words closely, there is a slight difference between them.
This post looks at what makes them different, and how you can tell them apart from each other in the future.
When to Use Jealousy
Jealousy is defined as fearful or wary of losing one’s position or situation to someone else, especially in an intimate relationship.
Examples:
- He was jealous of her male friends.
- She was jealous that her husband’s office was mainly women.
- I am jealous that you like hanging out with her instead of me.
In this sense, jealousy involves wanting to hold on to what you do have, particularly a relationship.
When to Use Envy
Envy is defined as the feeling of wanting what someone else has.
Examples:
- I envy your ability to sing.
- I envy your beautiful, and tasteful wardrobe.
- Nigeria’s natural resources are the envy of the entire world.
Envy is when you covet another person’s advantages, possessions, or abilities. You are envious of the things that others have that you lack.
What’s the Difference?
Envy is when you want something someone else has; while jealousy is when you are afraid someone is going to take what you have.
Envy also need not always carry a negative connotation. Envy can be used to indicate a desire to equal another in achievement or excellence by emulating them. Emulation does not have any negative connotations to it.
Jealousy on the other hand always implies a feeling of resentment toward another.
In conclusion, I would advise making the distinction between these two meanings. Making your writing and speech more precise is never a bad thing.
Most people today, however, blur the meanings of these two words both in casual usage and even in newspapers or magazines, so you shouldn’t be surprised when you see them used interchangeably.
Source: writingexplained.org