Green with Envy – Definition and Examples

Meaning 1：jealous (Green with envy)

Green with envy 🔊

/ɡriːn wɪð ˈenvi/

adj. phr.

It means to feel a very strong and sometimes unpleasant desire to have what someone else has.

jealous 🔊

➕

/ˈdʒɛləs/

adj. phr.

Feeling or showing a strong and often unpleasant desire for something that someone else has.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Derives from ancient humoral theory linking green bile to jealousy; 'green' symbolizes envy.

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine your face turning green as you swallow the bitter pill of envy.

📖 Example

My best friend got the latest phone, and I must admit I was green with envy. 🔊 My best friend got the latest phone, and I must admit I was green with envy.

🔗 Collocations

turn green with envy – become extremely jealous

green-eyed jealousy – intense jealousy

be green with envy – be very envious

🔄 Synonyms

jealous (adj.) – Feeling or showing envy of someone else's advantages.

envious (adj.) – Feeling or showing a desire to have what someone else has.

resentful (adj.) – Feeling bitterness and indignation at unfair treatment.

🚫 Antonyms

content (adj.) – Satisfied with what one has.

generous (adj.) – Willing to give and share freely.

🌱 Derivatives

green-eyed (adj.) – Jealous or envious.

envy (n./v.) – A feeling of jealous longing for someone else's advantages.

📖 Cultural Story

Shakespeare's 'green-eyed monster' in Othello and Greek humoral theory; phrase 'green with envy' popularized in the 20th century.