The adjectives “enviable” and “envious” are related through the concept of envy but are used to describe different aspects of this emotion. “Enviable” refers to qualities or possessions that might cause others to feel envy, indicating desirability. “Envious,” on the other hand, describes the feelings of a person who experiences envy towards someone else. Distinguishing between these terms is important for accurately conveying emotions and characteristics in both written and spoken English.
Enviable
Definition:
“Enviable” means possessing qualities or circumstances that others might wish to have; it describes something that is desirable enough to be envied by others.
Examples of use:
John Glenn has an enviable place in space travel history, marked by achievements that many admire and wish to emulate.
She holds an enviable position at the firm, commanding respect and admiration from her colleagues.
His ability to remain calm under pressure is truly enviable, especially in high-stakes situations.
Envious
Definition:
“Envious” describes a person who feels envy—jealousy towards someone else’s achievements, qualities, or possessions.
Examples of use:
ome pilots are envious of John Glenn’s mark on space travel, wishing they could have similar recognition.
She felt envious of her friend’s new car, struggling to feel happy for her amid her own financial difficulties.
His promotion led to envious murmurs among some coworkers who felt overlooked.
While both “enviable” and “envious” relate to the feeling of envy, they are used from different perspectives. “Enviable” is used to describe something or someone that possesses qualities that others might desire, highlighting the positive aspects that attract envy. In contrast, “envious” focuses on the feelings of the person experiencing envy, often conveying a negative emotional state.
