What’s the Difference Between Jealousy and Envy?
You can envy someone without being jealous of them. But can you be jealous without feeling envy? It’s a distinction that has puzzled English speakers for centuries. While the words “jealousy” and “envy” are often used interchangeably, they traditionally refer to two different emotions: one rooted in desire, the other
in fear. Put simply, envy is about wanting something someone else has. Maybe it’s your boss’ new car, the huge promotion your sister just got, or your partner’s seemingly endless vacation days. You don’t necessarily begrudge these people their good fortune — you might even be happy for them —...
