jealousy
jealousy Lexical Profile
jealousy Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A feeling of resentment, bitterness, or discontent aroused by someone else's possessions, achievements, or perceived advantages.
"She felt a sudden pang of jealousy when her colleague was selected for the fellowship."
A state of anxious suspicion, insecurity, or rivalry regarding the faithfulness of a romantic partner or the fear of losing someone's affection to another.
"Unfounded jealousy gradually eroded the trust that had held their marriage together."
Fierce vigilance or protective care in guarding a right, possession, or reputation.
"The committee guarded its constitutional authority with fierce jealousy."
Word Nuance & Usage
In strict usage, 'jealousy' involves the fear of losing something one already possesses (especially a relationship or status) to a rival, whereas 'envy' refers to desiring something that belongs to someone else; however, in everyday speech, 'jealousy' is widely used for both meanings.
• Rhymes for jealousy
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Old French 'jalousie', from 'jalous' (jealous), which traces back through Vulgar Latin '*zelosus' to Late Latin 'zelus' and Ancient Greek 'zelos' (zeal, emulation, or rivalry).