Emotions / A2

JEL-uh-s/ˈdʒeləs/

Jealous describes the unhappy feeling when you want what someone else has: jealous of her success, feel jealous, a jealous look. Envious is a close cousin. Angry is wider (any strong displeasure). Proud is almost the opposite mood. Jealous of + person or thing is the usual pattern. Do not write zealous (keen) for jealous.

Meaning

Unhappy because you want what another person has.

Examples

• “She felt jealous of her sister’s new bike.”
• “He felt jealous when his classmate won the prize.”
• “Try not to be jealous of other people’s holidays.”

Good to know

jealous of + person/thing. Cousin: envious. Mix-up: zealous (keen).

Near in meaning

envious

Topics

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