What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
envied
Example
I envied my friend's new car. [envied: past tense]
Example
She was envied by her colleagues for her promotion. [envied: past participle]
jealous
Example
He was jealous of his girlfriend's male friends. [jealous: adjective]
Example
She acted jealous when he talked to other women. [jealous: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Jealous is more commonly used than envy in everyday language. Jealous is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while envy is less common and usually refers to material possessions or achievements.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between envied and jealous?
Both envy and jealousy can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, envy is often associated with a more positive and formal tone, while jealousy is often associated with a more negative and informal tone.