envy

Everyday

1. Envy is the unhappy feeling of wanting something that someone else has, like their toys, skills or luck. tree →
2. To envy someone is to wish you had what they have. tree →
3. Someone or something that is «the envy of» others is admired and wanted by them. tree →
4. (church) Envy is one of the seven deadly sins in Christian teaching. tree →

In the lessons

In ethics and stories, envy is a feeling that can make people unkind or jealous; fairy tales like Snow White show its harm. In everyday talk «I envy you» can also be friendly: «I envy your holiday!». Phrases: «green with envy», «the envy of the class», «full of envy», «I don't envy you» (I would not like to be in your place).

Examples

• She felt envy when her friend got a new bike. tree →
• I envy you; you get to go to the beach! tree →
• The queen was green with envy of Snow White's beauty. tree →
• Our new playground is the envy of other schools. tree →
• I don't envy him; he has three tests tomorrow. tree →
• Christians list envy among the seven deadly sins. tree →
• He tried to turn his envy into hard work. tree →
• Ducks have strong passions, whether they feel envy or pity. tree →

Note

Noun (uncountable) and verb; past «envied». Adjective: envious. Envy vs jealousy: envy is wanting what another has; jealousy is often fear of losing what you have (but people often mix them). «Green with envy» is an idiom; nobody turns green.

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: Wisdom books call envy harmful. Proverbs says it is the rottenness of the bones, and tradition counts it as a sin, since the Tenth Commandment forbids coveting. In the primary lessons: In ethics and stories, envy is a feeling that can make people unkind or jealous; fairy tales like Snow White show its harm. In everyday talk «I envy you» can also be friendly: «I envy your holiday!». Phrases: «green with envy», «the envy of the class», «full of envy», «I don't envy you» (I would not like to be in your place).

Examples

• For anger killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one. (Writings JOB.5.2, JPS 1917) tree →
• Envy thou not the man of violence, and choose none of his ways. (Writings PRO.3.31, JPS 1917) tree →
• A tranquil heart is the life of the flesh; but envy is the rottenness of the bones. (Writings PRO.14.30, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Noun (uncountable) and verb; past «envied». Adjective: envious. Envy vs jealousy: envy is wanting what another has; jealousy is often fear of losing what you have (but people often mix them). «Green with envy» is an idiom; nobody turns green.