Definition of "envy" in English

noun

1. Resentful desire of something possessed by another or others (but not limited to material possessions).

2. An object of envious notice or feeling.

3. (obsolete) Hatred, enmity, ill-feeling.

4. (obsolete) Emulation; rivalry.

   • c. 1631-1636, John Ford, The Fancies Chaste and Noble Such as cleanliness and decency Prompt to a virtuous envy.

5. (obsolete) Public odium; ill repute.

6. A red-skinned variety of eating apple.

verb

1. (transitive) To feel displeasure or hatred towards (someone) for their good fortune or possessions.

2. (transitive) To resentfully or discontentedly desire (something someone else has that one lacks).

3. (obsolete, intransitive) To have envious feelings (at).

4. (obsolete, transitive) To give (something) to (someone) grudgingly or reluctantly; to begrudge.

5. (obsolete) To show malice or ill will; to rail.

6. (obsolete) To do harm to; to injure; to disparage.

7. (obsolete) To hate.

8. (obsolete) To emulate.