“Envy” vs. “Jealousy”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “envy” and “jealousy”

  • Envy is a desire for something another person has, while jealousy is resentment toward the person who has something the desired object or attribute in question.
  • Envy usually involves feelings of longing for an object, circumstance, or attribute another person has, while jealousy often involves feelings of protectiveness or possessiveness toward the person or thing in question.
  • Envy is often directed towards a specific person or attribute, while jealousy may be directed towards a broader set of circumstances or people.
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What is the definition of “envy” and “jealousy”?

Envy
  • Envy is a feeling of covetousness or discontent toward someone who possesses something desirable that one lacks.
  • It often leads to resentment or bitterness toward the person who has the desired object, quality, or position.
  • Envy is usually directed towards a specific person or thing that one does not have.
Jealousy
  • Jealousy is an emotional response to a perceived threat to a valued relationship or possession, such as a loved one or material possession.
  • It often results from the fear of losing what one has or a fear of being replaced.
  • Jealousy may involve feelings of anger, mistrust, or suspicion towards a person or situation.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Envy” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
Envy
87,400,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. I envy my friend because she just got a new car.
  2. Her envy towards her co-worker's promotion was obvious.
  3. The child's envy towards his siblings' toys caused a tantrum.
Jealousy
70,700,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. He was filled with jealousy when he saw his ex-girlfriend with another man.
  2. Her jealousy towards her boyfriend's female friends caused arguments in their relationship.
  3. The dog's jealousy towards its owner's other pets resulted in aggressive behavior.
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