Jealousy vs Envy
As jealousy and envy are two terms that are often used interchangeably due to the lack of the proper understanding of the purport and the connotation of the two words, one should learn the difference between jealousy and envy. Word wise, jealousy is a noun while envy is used both as a noun and a verb. They have both originated from Middle English. Envier is a noun that is a derivative of envy. It is said that jealousy actually comes from the Old French word gelosie. This article presents an analysis of these two words, jealousy and envy.
What does Jealousy mean?
“The state or feeling of being jealous,” is the definition given to jealousy by the Oxford English dictionary. Jealousy results due to the intolerance in connection with the wealth, position, achievement, status and the like of another person. This is a quite common experience in almost each of the human beings for that matter. It is believed that only seers of the highest order are bereft of this quality of jealousy. Jealousy can be described as a state of being uneasy over something that may not please you. Jealousy is often focused on an individual who may be considered a rival. It is generally shown on rivals. The basis of rivalry is of course jealousy.
What does Envy mean?
Envy, on the other hand, can be equated to enmity. This can result from jealousy too. Envy, on the contrary, is the enmity between two individuals, nations or organizations. Envy is a kind of a permanent feature. There may be several treaties in support of the friendship between two individuals, countries or organizations, but all the treaties would be of no use and purpose when it comes to practice. On the other hand, envy focuses more on the advantages and possessions of somebody. It is again a result of some sort of displeasure and unease. Envy, on the contrary to jealousy, focuses more on the object or the advantage that the person enjoys or possesses than the person that enjoys it. The person who envies over the possession of something by somebody feels that he or she too deserves the possession, but was somehow deprived of it. In short it can be said that the idea of self-possession prevails in envy rather than in jealousy.
What is the difference between Jealousy and Envy?
It is generally believed that both jealously and envy are permanent qualities present in a human being. In fact, it is true that the lexicographer would not distinguish between the two words. He would consider them as synonyms. He would say that both of them have similar meanings. This is because of the fact that they had their origins almost at the same time. The word jealousy was derived sometime between 1175 and 1225 A.D. On the other hand, the word envy was derived sometime between 1250 and 1300 A.D.
• Jealousy can be described as a state of being uneasy over something that may not please you.
• On the other hand, envy focuses more on the advantages and possessions of somebody. It is again a result of some sort of displeasure and unease.
• Jealousy is often focused on an individual who may be considered a rival. Envy, on the contrary, focuses more on the object or the advantage that the person enjoys or possesses than the person that enjoys it.