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.
She's been wowing fans with not only her triumphant return to regular on-camera work but also jaw-dropping beauty moments that have set the internet aflame with envious speculation and awestruck admiration. Marci Robin, Allure, 21 Mar. 2025 Chris Clews, a keynote speaker and author of 'The Ultimate Essential Work & Life Lessons from '80s Pop Culture,' believes that many young people are envious of the Gen X childhood experience. Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025 She's been wowing fans with not only her triumphant return to regular on-camera work but also jaw-dropping beauty moments that have set the internet aflame with envious speculation and awestruck admiration. Marci Robin, Allure, 21 Mar. 2025 Almada’s monochromatic palette and focus on elevated basics has captured an international audience well beyond Finland’s borders, with their signature pieces generating waitlists that would make established luxury houses envious. Angela Lei, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Envious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/envious. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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
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