What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
possessiveness
Example
His possessiveness towards his girlfriend was suffocating. [possessiveness: noun]
Example
She showed possessiveness over her new car, not letting anyone else drive it. [possessiveness: noun]
jealousy
Example
She felt jealousy towards her friend who got the promotion she wanted. [jealousy: noun]
Example
He was jealous of his girlfriend's male friends and accused her of cheating. [jealous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Jealousy is more commonly used than possessiveness in everyday language, especially in the context of romantic relationships. Possessiveness is a less common term and may be associated with more negative connotations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between possessiveness and jealousy?
Both possessiveness and jealousy can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but possessiveness may be considered more informal and colloquial than jealousy.
