enviousness
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck; the state of being envious. It is a grudging admiration coupled with a desire to possess what another person has.
Usage
"Enviousness" is used to describe the state or feeling of envy. It is a formal or literary noun. It focuses on the internal emotional state itself, rather than the act of feeling it. * It is often followed by the preposition "of" to indicate the target of the feeling. * It can be modified by adjectives like "pure," "sheer," "obvious," or "petty."
Examples
- Her constant enviousness of her colleague's success created a tense atmosphere in the office.
- He tried to hide his enviousness of their expensive new car.
- There was a hint of enviousness in her voice when she congratulated him on the promotion.
Advanced Usage
- "Enviousness" vs. "Envy": While often interchangeable, "envy" is the more common and versatile term. "Enviousness" can sound slightly more formal or literary and emphasizes the sustained quality or state of being envious.
- His envy was obvious. (Common)
- His enviousness was obvious. (Slightly more formal/literary)
- Philosophical/Literary Context: The term can be used in discussions of character, morality, or social dynamics to describe a persistent trait.
- The novel explores the destructive power of greed and enviousness.
Variants and Related Words
- Envious (adjective): Feeling or showing envy.
- She gave him an envious look.
- Envy (noun/verb): The more common form for both the feeling and the act.
- Noun: He looked with envy at their home.
- Verb: I envy your confidence.
- Enviable (adjective): Desirable enough to arouse envy.
- She has an enviable job.
Synonyms
- Envy: The most direct synonym.
- Jealousy: Often used interchangeably in casual speech, but traditionally implies fear of losing something one already has to a rival, whereas envy involves wanting what someone else has.
- Covetousness: A strong, often wrongful desire for something that belongs to another.
- Resentment: Bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly, which can overlap with envious feelings.
Antonyms
- Contentment: A state of happiness and satisfaction.
- Generosity: The quality of being kind and generous, especially with one's possessions or praise.
- Indifference: Lack of interest, concern, or sympathy.
Noun
- a feeling of grudging admiration and desire to have something that is possessed by another