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Mr. Tom Posted 9 years ago
Grammar

Jealousy and Envy

Hi

The two words (jealousy and envy) often confuse me (rather I confuse them). I did a bit of research and realized that they are not essentially synonymous. Do you agree with the difference given here?

https://www.vocabulary.com/articles/chooseyourwords/envy-jealousy/

and/or this:

And so envy is a two-person situation whereas jealousy is a three-person situation.Envy is a reaction to lacking something. Jealousy is a reaction to the threat of losing something (usually someone). ... This means that when you are feeling jealous, you are often feeling envious as well.Jan 3, 2014

Thanks,

Tom
  

Top answer

Here's a simplistic but useful way to think about it. Assume my friend gets a beautiful new car. envy I want one like it.

— Clive

  • Here's a simplistic but useful way to think about it.
  • Assume my friend gets a beautiful new car.
  • envy I want one like it.
  • jealousy I don't want him to have it.
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4 Answers
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Here's a simplistic but useful way to think about it.

Assume my friend gets a beautiful new car.
envy I want one like it.
jealousy I don't want him to have it.
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You mean these words express total different emotions.
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I wouldn't say that. There's a lot of overlap.

I said I was being simplistic.
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Mr. TomThe two words (jealousy and envy) often confuse me
Me too, so join the club!
Mr. TomDo you agree with the difference given here?
Yes. That link gives a good discussion of the difference.
Mr. Tomand/or this:
Yes. That also sounds reasonable.

CJ
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