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envious

/ˈɛnviəs/
/ˈɛnviəs/
IPA guide

Envious is another way to say jealous or resentful — in other words, you want what someone else has, whether it's charming good looks or the last chocolate frosted donut.

Once upon a time, envious meant “eager to emulate.” Now a days this adjective is used to describe covetous feelings or a state of painful desire. Envious usually isn't a good thing to be; it's better to let it go and be happy with what you've got. Just remember the words of the wise Greek philosopher Antisthenes: "As iron is eaten away by rust, so the envious are consumed by their own passion."

Definitions of envious
  1. adjective
    showing extreme cupidity; painfully desirous of another's advantages
    envious of their art collection”
    synonyms: covetous, jealous
    desirous, wishful
    having or expressing desire for something
Pronunciation
US
/ˈɛnviəs/
UK
/ˈɛnviəs/
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