en|vy

en|vy «EHN vee», noun, plural -vies, verb, -vied, -vy|ing.

–n.

1. discontent or ill will at another's good fortune because one wishes it had been his; dislike for a person who has what one wants: »

Some boys were full of envy when they saw my new bicycle, but my friends were glad for me. The nightingale…provoketh envy of the lesser songsters (Robert Bridges).

2. the object of such feeling; person who is envied: »

She was the envy of the younger girls in school.

3. Obsolete. malice; ill will.

–v.t.

1. to feel envy toward: »

Poor people envy the rich; sometimes the rich envy the poor.

2. to feel envy because of: »

He envied his friend's success.

3. Obsolete. to begrudge.

–v.i.

Obsolete. to feel or show envy: »

But now I envy at their liberty (Shakespeare).

╂[< Old French envie < Latin invidia, ultimately < invidēre look with enmity at < in- against + vidēre see]

–en´vy|ing|ly, adverb.

Synonym Study transitive verb. 1 Envy, covet mean to feel discontent about the good fortune of others. Envy implies resentment, jealousy, or even hatred directed toward them: »

He envies famous people.

Covet implies a craving for the good fortune that is rightfully theirs: »

He covets the fame that his brother has earned.