jealousy
gb/d͡ʒˈɛləsi/ us/d͡ʒˈɛləsi/
B1
English
~ 3500
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
state
1
resentment at another's success
A bad feeling toward someone because they have something you want or are successful in a way you wish for.
Usage pattern:
jealousy towards [someone/something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'jealousy' with 'envy'. While similar, 'jealousy' often involves fear of losing something you have, not just wanting what others have.
Synonyms
envy (Often used interchangeably, but 'envy' can be less intense and more about wanting what someone has, while 'jealousy' often includes resentment.)
Antonyms
admiration (A positive feeling of respect or approval instead of resentment.)
Collocations
deep jealousy
|feel jealousy
|cause jealousy
|jealousy between friends
Themes
emotions
|relationships
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Her jealousy grew when she saw her colleague getting the promotion.
- Jealousy can damage even the strongest friendships.
- He couldn't hide his jealousy when she talked about her new car.
- The jealousy between the two actors became obvious.
- Jealousy often comes from comparing yourself to others.
Learner examples
- I felt jealousy when my friend got a new phone.
- She has jealousy because her sister is very popular.
- Jealousy can make people act badly.
- He shows jealousy when I talk to other people.
Noun
B1
state
2
fear of losing affection
A bad feeling when you think someone you love likes another person instead of you.
Usage pattern:
jealousy over [someone]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this type of jealousy with envy; here it is about relationships and fear of losing someone, not wanting what others have.
Synonyms
possessiveness (Focuses more on wanting to control or keep someone, while 'jealousy' is about fear of losing them.)
Antonyms
trust (Confidence in another's loyalty or affection, removing the cause for jealousy.)
Collocations
romantic jealousy
|jealousy over a partner
|intense jealousy
Themes
emotions
|relationships
Examples
- His jealousy over her friendship with Mark caused many arguments.
- Romantic jealousy can destroy relationships.
- She admitted feeling jealousy when her boyfriend talked to his ex.
Learner examples
- He has jealousy over his girlfriend.
- She feels jealousy when her husband talks to other women.
- Jealousy can hurt a marriage.
Grammar
Dictionary form
jealousy
IPA
GB/d͡ʒˈɛləsi/
US/d͡ʒˈɛləsi/
Syllables & stress
jeal - ousy (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (jeal)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: jealousy
- Plural: jealousies, jealousy
Word family
Expressions
out of jealousy
1/ˈaʊt əv d͡ʒˈɛləsi/
fixed phrase
motivated by jealousy
Because of feeling jealous.
Examples
- He broke the vase out of jealousy.
- She insulted her co-worker out of jealousy.
spark jealousy
1/spˈɑɹk d͡ʒˈɛləsi/
fixed phrase
cause someone to feel jealous
To make someone feel jealous.
Examples
- Her success sparked jealousy among her classmates.
- The award sparked jealousy in the office.
green with jealousy
1/ɡɹˈin wˈɪθ d͡ʒˈɛləsi/
idiom
extremely envious
Feeling very envious of someone or something.
Examples
- She was green with jealousy when she saw her friend's expensive dress.
- She was green with jealousy when she saw his new sports car.
- He turned green with jealousy after hearing about their vacation.
- He turned green with jealousy after hearing about her promotion.