Envier

An 'envier' is a person who feels envy. Envy is a complex emotion characterized by feelings of discontent, longing, and resentment toward another's success, possessions, qualities, or circumstances. The envier desires to possess what another person has or wishes to see the other person lack it. The envier's emotional experience often includes a sense of inferiority, inadequacy, and sometimes, a desire to diminish the object of their envy. Envy is distinguished from jealousy, which typically involves a fear of losing something one already possesses. The behavior of an envier can range from subtle expressions of negativity to more overt actions aimed at undermining the envied person. The envier's emotional state can consume a person's thoughts and actions.

Envier meaning with examples

• He became an envier, constantly comparing his modest achievements to his neighbor's thriving business. He found himself consumed by resentment for his neighbor's success. This unhealthy obsession drove him to be withdrawn and caused a rift between them as he actively sought to avoid his neighbor. His envy poisoned his perspective and prevented him from celebrating any positives.
• Sarah was an envier of her sister's athletic abilities. She would make underhanded comments when her sister received awards. Though they had once been close, her resentment created distance. Her critical remarks and frequent belittling behavior isolated her. This bitter cycle of envy prevented her from building any kind of positive relationship with anyone in her life.
• The politician was an envier of his opponent’s popularity. He commissioned attack ads to discredit his rival, resorting to personal attacks and misrepresentations. This campaign of negativity backfired, ultimately damaging his own reputation. The public could sense his motives were impure, and he lost the election. His envious actions only harmed his own campaign.
• Consumed by a sense of unworthiness, Mark was an envier of his friend's relationships. He would downplay his friends achievements. His feelings manifested as passive-aggressive behavior. He withdrew from his friend circle. The envy fueled his feelings of loneliness. He was deeply unhappy and unable to maintain any meaningful friendships due to his resentment.
• Driven by envy of his colleagues' promotions, John became an envier and started spreading rumors about them. He hoped to undermine their accomplishments. His actions caused conflict within the office. His destructive behavior backfired, costing him his job. His envy not only hurt his coworkers but also ruined his own career prospects.