What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
jealous
Example
She was jealous of her friend's new car. [jealous: adjective]
Example
He felt jealous when his girlfriend talked to other guys. [jealous: verb]
resentful
Example
She was resentful towards her boss for not giving her a promotion. [resentful: adjective]
Example
He resented his brother for always getting more attention from their parents. [resented: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Jealous is more commonly used than resentful in everyday language. Jealousy is a common emotion that people experience in various contexts, such as relationships or competition. Resentment is less common and often used in more serious or formal situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between jealous and resentful?
While jealous can be used in both informal and formal contexts, resentful is more commonly used in formal or serious situations, such as legal or professional settings.
