Jealousy – Definition and Part of Speech
Jealousy is a noun that refers to the feeling of resentment or insecurity often triggered by another’s perceived rivalry, success, or advantage. It encompasses emotions such as envy, suspicion, and fear of loss—particularly in relationships.
Synonyms (Table Format)
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Envy | A desire for someone else’s advantages or possessions. Often lacks the possessiveness of jealousy. | “She envied her friend’s new car.” | Informal, Literary |
| Covetousness | Intense and selfish desire for something belonging to another person. Has a moralistic tone. | “His covetous eyes lingered on the necklace.” | Formal, Biblical |
| Insecurity | A feeling of uncertainty or anxiety about oneself in relation to others, which can fuel jealousy. | “Her insecurity led her to question his loyalty.” | Academic, Psychological |
| Suspicion | Doubt regarding someone’s motives or actions, often present with jealousy. | “He felt a wave of suspicion wash over him.” | Business, Literary |
Usage Notes
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Envy is typically used in informal and literary contexts to describe longing for what another has without the possessive undertones that “jealousy” might carry.
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Covetousness often appears in formal or religious texts and carries a moral judgment. It suggests an unethical desire, making it suitable for discussions around ethics or literature with Biblical influences.
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Insecurity is preferred in psychological contexts to highlight emotional vulnerabilities driving jealousy. Academically, this term helps frame jealousy as a symptom rather than the primary issue.
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Suspicion, while more general, can be used interchangeably in cases where doubt and mistrust are central to feelings of jealousy. It’s appropriate for business or literary contexts dealing with trust issues.
Common Pitfalls
One common mistake is using “jealous” (an adjective) as a direct synonym for “jealousy,” which may lead to grammatical confusion due to differing parts of speech. Additionally, conflating “envy” and “jealousy” is frequent; remember that envy lacks the possessiveness inherent in jealousy.
Final Recap
In summary, while jealousy captures a complex mix of emotions centered around fear of loss or rivalry, its synonyms—envy, covetousness, insecurity, and suspicion—each emphasize different aspects. “Envy” highlights longing without possession, “covetousness” adds an ethical dimension, “insecurity” underscores personal doubt, and “suspicion” focuses on mistrust.
To expand your vocabulary effectively:
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Practice using these synonyms in sentences related to their specific contexts.
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Engage in discussions or writing exercises where you can apply these nuanced words appropriately.