Search Dictionary
Definition of envious

envious

/ˈɛnviəs/
en · vi · ous
Adverb:enviously
JUMP TO:

envious Lexical Profile

envious Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Feeling or showing a discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck.

Example

"She was openly envious of her colleague's rapid promotion and spacious new office."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for envious
Antonyms
View all antonyms for envious

Word Nuance & Usage

In careful usage, 'envious' means wanting something that belongs to someone else, whereas 'jealous' means fearing the loss of something (especially affection or status) one already possesses, though the two are frequently used interchangeably in casual speech.

• Rhymes for envious

• Nearby Words

enviable
enviably
envier
envious
enviously
enviousness
environment

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in Middle English from Anglo-Norman envios and Old French envieux, from Latin invidiosus ('full of envy'), derived from invidia ('envy'), which literally meant 'a looking upon with malice' (from in- 'upon' and videre 'to see').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Envious. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/envious
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.