Definition of: envious

(en′vē·əs) adjective
1. Having, showing, or cherishing envy; characterized or caused by envy; grudging: an envious feeling.
2. Obs. Jealous; emulous.
3. Obs. Spiteful. [<AF <OF envieus <L invidiosus. Doublet of INVIDIOUS.]
—en′vi·ous·ly adverb
—en′vi·ous·ness noun Synonyms: jealous, suspicious. One is envious who cherishes selfish ill will toward another because of his superior success, endowments, possessions, or the like. A person is envious of that which is another's, and to which he himself has no right or claim; he is jealous of intrusion upon that which is his own, or to which he maintains a right or claim. An envious spirit is always bad; a jealous spirit may be good or bad, according to its object and tendency. A free people must be jealous of their liberties if they would retain them. One is suspicious of another from unfavorable indications or from a knowledge of wrong in his previous conduct, or even without reason. Compare DOUBT. Antonyms: contented, friendly, kindly, satisfied, trustful.