Envies

Envies is a verb describing the feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck. It signifies a desire for what another person has, coupled with a potential sense of inadequacy or ill-will. Envy can manifest as a quiet observation or become overt, driving behaviors that range from subtle imitation to malicious attempts to diminish the envied person or object. The root of the word highlights a focus on comparison and the perceived advantages of others.

Envies meaning with examples

• The young artist envies her older sister’s effortless success in the art world, feeling frustrated by her own slow progress. She finds herself constantly comparing her work to her sister's, sparking feelings of inadequacy that stifle her creativity and her self-confidence. This feeling, when turned outward, occasionally results in harsh criticism.
• He secretly envies his neighbor's sprawling, beautifully landscaped garden, wishing he had the time and resources to create something similar. He watches, feeling inadequate, as the neighbor spends their weekends tending to the plot. This envy sometimes leads to small acts of resentment, like complaining about the noise or the gardener’s presence.
• She envies her friend's seemingly perfect life and happy marriage, often forgetting the struggles her friend confided. This unrealistic comparison of their situations leaves her feeling alone. She often resents her friend's happiness but finds solace, when her friend opens up and shows her the problems she endures as well.
• The team captain envies the star player's natural talent and charisma, knowing it attracts sponsors. It's difficult for him to lead the team when fans and sponsors flock to the other. His hidden resentment fuels a competitive tension, making the team climate awkward and unproductive, even though the captain knows his envy is bad.
• The politician envies his opponent's skill at public speaking, especially their ability to captivate the audience with an ease the politician will never experience. His attempts to mimic the style are poorly received. He starts to subtly undermine his opponent by spreading misinformation and questioning the sincerity of their words.