envious

adjective

en·​vi·​ous ˈen-vē-əs How to pronounce envious (audio)
1
: feeling or showing envy
envious of their neighbor's new car
envious looks
2
archaic
a
b
enviously adverb
enviousness noun

Examples of envious in a Sentence

a family that is envious of their neighbors' big house
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Most slipped back to the four spot and having 88.8 percent of fans landing in the top two spots is still an envious position, but apprehension is simmering. Paul Dehner Jr., The Athletic, 12 July 2024 Yet, rather than decry their delusion, r/bald’s envious users will remind OP of his luck, tell him how glorious his mane is and send him on his way. Oscar Holland, CNN, 27 Nov. 2024 In fact, many other school districts and communities around the state are envious of our schools. Letters To The Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2024 Additionally, be aware that others are possibly either in competition with you or indirectly envious of you — their eyes on your project may end up creating more hassle for you than any assistance would be worth! Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for envious 

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of envious was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near envious

Cite this Entry

“Envious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/envious. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

envious

adjective
en·​vi·​ous ˈen-vē-əs How to pronounce envious (audio)
: feeling or showing envy
envious of a neighbor's good luck
an envious look
enviously adverb
enviousness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on envious

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!