Jealousy

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈdÊ’É›lÉ™si/

Origin

Old French jalousie, see jealous, -y.

Full definition of jealousy

Noun

1. (uncountable) A state of suspicious guarding towards a spouse, lover etc., from fears of infidelity.
2. (countable) A resentment towards someone for a perceived advantage or superiority they hold.
• 1907, Charles J. Archard The Portland Peerage RomanceJealousy was, however, aroused among the English nobility at the favouritism shown the Dutch newcomer
3. Envy towards another's possessions
• 1891, Louis Antoine Fauvelet De Bourrienne, translated by R. W. Phipps, Memoirs Of Napoleon Bonaparte…the jealousy of his foes of each other's share in the booty…
4. (archaic) A close concern for someone or something, solicitude, vigilance.
• 1485, Sir Thomas Malory, Le Morte Darthur, Book VIII:And therefore by my wyll I wolde have dryvyn hym away for jelosy that I had of hys lyff ....

Synonyms

• jealousness

Antonyms

• compersion

Related terms

• jealous adj
• jealously adverb
• jalousie
• zealous