What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
jealousy
Example
She felt a pang of jealousy when she saw her ex-boyfriend with his new girlfriend. [jealousy: noun]
Example
He was jealous of his friend's success and couldn't hide his envy. [jealous: adjective]
resentment
Example
She couldn't help but feel resentment towards her boss for passing her over for a promotion. [resentment: noun]
Example
He still harbored resentment towards his childhood bully, even after all these years. [resentful: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Jealousy is more commonly used than resentment in everyday language. Jealousy is a common emotion experienced in relationships, while resentment is less common and often associated with deeper issues or past events.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between jealousy and resentment?
Both jealousy and resentment can be used in formal and informal contexts, but resentment may be more appropriate in formal settings where a more serious tone is required.
