What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
envious
Example
She was envious of her friend's new car. [envious: adjective]
Example
He couldn't help but feel envious of his coworker's promotion. [envious: adjective]
jealous
Example
She was jealous of her boyfriend's female friends. [jealous: adjective]
Example
He became jealous when he saw his girlfriend talking to another guy. [jealous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Jealousy is more commonly used than envy in everyday language. Jealousy is a more intense and negative emotion, and it is often associated with romantic relationships. Envy is less common and can have a more positive connotation, as it can be seen as a motivator for self-improvement.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between envious and jealous?
Both envy and jealousy can be used in formal and informal contexts, but envy may be considered more formal due to its less frequent use in everyday language.
