Jealous vs. envious
All right, I think the rules have changed, because I remember learning some time ago that "jealous" and "envious" have different meanings. The reason why I'm bringing this up is because I rarely hear people use the word "envious," instead using the word "jealous" for all kinds of covetous situations, such as in this sample statement:
I'm really jealous of her--she has such a nice house.
Shouldn't the correct word be "envious"? I think it should (according to how they used to be delineated). You're envious of what people achieve, have, do, etc. Jealousy means something else--it has to do with love and devotion. For instance:
I'm really jealous of her--she is going out with the guy I've fallen in love with.
The speaker is jealous because the guy she likes is with someone else--it's a heart issue.
I tried to seek out the answer online, but there are conflicting opinions. So I'm wondering if the English language is again in a state of flux with these words (as has happened many times throughout its development).
posted by mj @ 1:15 PM
2 Comments:
Oooooh, MJ! Good way to grab my attention. I did a little research in my Petit Robert (version électronique) to see what they have to say about jaloux vs. envieux. Both adjectives are perfectly equivalent to English jealous vs. envious.
It appears that your argument is on the right track. To be 'jealous' implies that you wish to possess the same intangible as someone else (ie. success, love, affection) whereas to be 'envious' means you desire something more tangible that some else possesses (ie. a house, a kick-ass universal remote control, a buff boyfriend).
When you think about it, you're right: it makes sense. But I think there are some items that fall into the grey zone. For example, are you jealous or envious of someone who speaks more than one language?
Point to ponder...
Definitely envious of a multilingual person. But if you were in love with that multilingual person, and that person ended up with someone else, then you'd be jealous. :)
I feel certain of the distinction. Unfortunately, other people often exist in the gray zone.
Post a Comment
<< Home