What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
grudge
Example
She still grudges him for not inviting her to the party. [grudges: verb]
Example
He held a grudge against his former boss for years after being fired. [grudge: noun]
envy
Example
She envies her friend's new car and wishes she could afford one too. [envies: verb]
Example
He felt a twinge of envy when he saw his colleague's promotion announcement. [envy: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Envy is more commonly used than grudge in everyday language. Envy is a common feeling that many people experience at some point in their lives, while grudge is less common and often associated with more intense or long-lasting negative emotions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between grudge and envy?
Both grudge and envy are typically associated with an informal tone. However, envy may be used in more formal contexts, such as academic or professional writing, while grudge is less likely to be used in formal settings.
