The main difference between envy and jealousy is that envy is an emotion related to coveting what someone else has, while jealousy is the emotion related to fear that something you have will be taken away by someone else.
Definitions:
Envy:
Envy means “to bear a grudge toward someone due to coveting what that person has or enjoys.” In a milder sense, it means “the longing for something someone else has without any ill will intended toward that person.”
Example:
- I’m envious of his car / her clothes.
Easy to remember:
Envy is the emotion when you want something that someone else has.
Jealousy:
Jealous means “apprehensive or vengeful out of fear of being replaced by someone else.” It can also mean “watchful, ” “anxiously suspicious, ” “zealous, ” or “expecting complete devotion.” The last is normally applied to God.
Example:
- I am jealous the boss prefers to seek your advice
Easy to remember:
Jealousy is the emotion when you fear something or someone might be taken away from you.
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