English · Word Candidate

envy

/ˈɛnvi/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: envies · envying · envied

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Resentful desire of something possessed by another or others (but not limited to material possessions).

Noun

Examples

No bliss enjoyed by us excites his envy more.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

An object of envious notice or feeling.

Noun

Examples

This constitution in former days used to be the envy of the world[.]

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To feel displeasure or hatred towards (someone) for their good fortune or possessions.

Verb

Examples

Moon and Kim took a cable car together to Heaven Lake, a caldera at the top of the mountain, and walked around the area with their wives and officials from both sides. Pictures showed Moon and Kim smiling and posing with their wives, and Moon filling a bottle with water from the lake. “The Chinese e

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To resentfully or discontentedly desire (something someone else has that one lacks).

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “envy” mean?

Resentful desire of something possessed by another or others (but not limited to material possessions).

Is “envy” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.