Envy meaning in English
Learn how to use Envy correctly with Gymglish.
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Definition
to be filled with envy: to be very envious, jealous, covetous
After seeing Philip's new Mercedes, Kevin was filled with envy and he immediately wanted one.
to envy: to be jealous of, to covet, to crave
I envy you. I am jealous of you, I would like to be in your position.
envious: to be jealous; to want or desire someone or something that you do not have.
Pronunciation examples
UK: After seeing Philip's new Mercedes, Kevin was filled with envy.
US: I really envy you, Mr. Millionaire.
Examples
- "His fragrances are famous all over the world, and his talents are envied by all of our competitors."
- "His fragrances are famous all over the world, and his talents are envied by all our competitors."
Exercise 1
"...his talents are envied by all of our competitors."
Select "Correct" or "Incorrect" for each sentence below.
A "competitor" is a small computer →
Which of the following sentences use the term "envy" correctly?
I have envy of going swimming today. It's so hot! →
She envies a nice dinner at a restaurant tonight. →
Tarzan envies Jane's ability to calm the monkeys. →
Select "Correct" or "Incorrect" for each sentence below.
A "competitor" is a small computer →
Which of the following sentences use the term "envy" correctly?
I have envy of going swimming today. It's so hot! →
She envies a nice dinner at a restaurant tonight. →
Tarzan envies Jane's ability to calm the monkeys. →
"...his talents are envied by all of our competitors."
Select "Correct" or "Incorrect" for each sentence below.
A "competitor" is a small computer → Incorrect 1
Which of the following sentences use the term "envy" correctly?
I have envy of going swimming today. It's so hot! → Incorrect 2
She envies a nice dinner at a restaurant tonight. → Incorrect 3
Tarzan envies Jane's ability to calm the monkeys. → Correct 4
Select "Correct" or "Incorrect" for each sentence below.
A "competitor" is a small computer → Incorrect 1
Which of the following sentences use the term "envy" correctly?
I have envy of going swimming today. It's so hot! → Incorrect 2
She envies a nice dinner at a restaurant tonight. → Incorrect 3
Tarzan envies Jane's ability to calm the monkeys. → Correct 4
1 Incorrect: A "competitor" is a "rival" or "adversary". The term is used frequently in both business and sports contexts.
1 Correct: This is not correct!
2 Incorrect: This sentence is incorrect. One cannot "have envy" for something grammatically, nor does this term express that you want to do something. To express that you want to go swimming, you could say "I feel like swimming". "To envy (your neighbor)" is to be jealous of them or want to be like them. In general, this term has a negative connotation in English. If the competitors "envy" Horatio's talents, then they are jealous of his talents, or want them for themselves.
2 Correct: This sentence is not correct.
3 Incorrect: This sentence is incorrect. The term "envy" does not express a simple desire or a feeling of wanting to do something. "To envy (your neighbor)" is to be jealous of them or want to be like them. In general, this term has a negative connotation in English. To express that you want to eat at a restaurant, you could say "I feel like eating at a restaurant tonight."
3 Correct: This sentence is not correct.
4 Correct: This sentence is correct, both grammatically and in terms of meaning. If Tarzan "envies" Jane's ability to calm the monkeys, then he wants to have the same ability himself. "To envy (someone or something)" is to be jealous of it, or want it for yourself.
4 Incorrect: This sentence is not incorrect.
Exercise 2
Select the TRUE statement(s), based on Susie's email.
There may be more than one correct answer!
There may be more than one correct answer!
Select the TRUE statement(s), based on Susie's email.
There may be more than one correct answer!
There may be more than one correct answer!
This is not a true statement. Susie asks about "flexible working hours" after the birth of her (hypothetical) baby. "Flexible hours" describe a working schedule which is not consistent, and can be adapted to the needs of the employee.
This statement is not true. Susie is not pregnant at all; she is only considering having a baby. Someone's "workload" describes the amount of work they must complete. For example: I have a light workload this week, so I should be able to leave the office early on Friday.
This is a true statement. Susie wants to know how the company will handle or manage the pregnancy of one of its employees. She writes, "Will I be eligible for paid maternity leave? Does such a thing even exist in the States? Will flexible working hours be possible once the little darling is born?". These are all questions about "maternity rights", or the rights of a pregnant employee.
This is a true statement. Susie says she was so "jealous" of her cousin's baby that she thought about kidnapping it. A crazy idea! "To be envious" is synonymous with "to be jealous". Both terms refer to wanting or desiring something that somebody else has.
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