WordLens

envy

1 of 2verb
/ˈɛnvi/
Forms:envies,envying,envied,envied
1

to feel unhappy or irritated because someone else has something that one desires

transitive
  • She envies her friend's success in her career and wishes she had the same opportunities.
  • He envies his neighbor's new car and wishes he could afford one like it.
  • They envy their classmates' popularity and wish they were as well-liked.
  • I envy my sister's natural talent for music and wish I could play an instrument as well as she does.
  • We envy our friends' adventurous travels and wish we could experience the same.
2

to begrudge or feel unwillingness to give someone their due

transitive
  • It’s hard not to envy someone who has the life you dream of.
  • I envy people who can travel so easily.
  • She tried not to envy others, but it was hard at times.
  • He envied his coworker for getting the promotion.
  • I could tell he envied his brother.
Synonyms: