These two feelings are related and they can appear in the same time, but they are not the same even though it seems that we sometimes use one to express the other. It’s not so much a big of a deal to use one to express the other, but being able to differentiate between the two of them can bring some clarity in our mind. This can also help us express that negative feeling in a more accurate way.
According to Wikipedia, in the English language jealousy is now taking the original definition used by envy alone, so this is might bring some confusion about the feelings that we actually have. This is the definition used:
“Jealousy generally refers to the thoughts or feelings of insecurity, fear, concern, and envy over relative lack of possessions, status or something of great personal value, particularly in reference to a comparator, a rival, or a competitor.”
Basically, jealousy comes from our own fear and insecurity and it manifests through showing those in relationships with other people. If you’re afraid of losing your loved one because of someone else, it’s jealousy.
Envy is an emotion which “occurs when a person lacks another’s superior quality, achievement, or possession and either desires it or wishes that the other lacked it”. – Wikipedia
Envy appears when we want something that someone else has. That’s it. That’s pure envy. If you want the car your neighbour has, that’s envy what you’re feeling even though you might say you’re jealous.
I believe it’s important for us to know the difference between these two so we can have a better communication with everyone. To be better understood, we need to express ourselves in a more specific way so there is little to no room for misinterpretations.
How often do you use the term jealousy to actually express envy?
This reminds me of something I’ve written somewhere..? Lol I dunno. Don’t remember…. but… Umm.. wait. Sorry. I’m confused again. Ok so intention and stuff.. like.. the motivating or influential factors behind the emotion or evocation. Word association and stuff. One is inspirational and the other is retributive.
All I want is for it to help 😀
You’ll have to remind me to write about this later on. Maybe. Haha. Just.. crappy timing of stuff if you get me? Lol
Lol
Sadly I seem to use both these words in my head quite a lot. Yes, it definitely stems from insecurities which is why I’m really working on my own grass rather than looking over the fence at someone else’s. I always know when I’m feeling low because I think and say negative things about other people. Very interesting post so thank you, you’ve reminded me that I’ve been a bit meh lately and need to get a grip. Katie x
Thank you for reading and for sharing your thoughts! I’m glad you don’t let your insecurities hold you down! 😀
Well, I am mot jealous or envious so I do not use the terms… 🙂
That’s the best! 🙂
I suppose I tend to use jealousy as a catch-all term for both, but I agree, it’s a distinction worth making.
Mostly for ourselves, if not for the others. At least, we realize in what area of our life we need to work on 🙂
As I conclude in this argument…
Jealousy, It is an emotions, or feelings of a person.
While, the term “Envy” it denotes to the enactment of “jealousy”.
In some way, our envious manner is the cause why we jealously to other people.
Envy = we want something, that we never had.
Jealous = We feel insecure. (of what they had)
Hence, thanks for sharing this. 🙂
In some way it does, although jealousy can be seen different in some areas, especially in relationships. When we’re jealous, we’re not jealous because of others have, but because we’re afraid we can lose the person we love.
Yes, of course 🙂
Ahh… the English language.
That’s what Wikipedia says, but the same issue appears in my language too.
I actually thought that jealousy was the desire to have what someone else has and envy was the desire for ourselves to have something similar to what someone else has. Such as wanting your neighbor’s wife for yourself vs wanting a relationship for yourself that is similar to what your neighbor and his wife have.
You’re so right with the envy! The thing is that this definition of jealousy it’s also a part of envy. Jealousy is when you’re in a relationship and you’re afraid that you’ll loose your partner to someone else if your partner interacts to that someone else.
Yes, with that definition, I can see that now. 😊
Very interesting!!! Looking at it, envy seems to be more material while jealousy is emotional.
It seems like it. I guess we won’t get jealous if someone steals our phone, but we do get jealous if someone tries to steal our significant other (or we feel that someone tries to steal that person).
Thank you for clarifying this up. I always thought I could use the terms envy and jealousy interchangeably. Haha
Thank you for reading! I thought that since they are two separate terms, we can use them separately even though some parts are the same. It might help us communicate better one with each other.
I agree. I always enjoy your work so it was definitely a time worth spent 😊
Thank you so much! <3
quite interesting..gained some knowledge..thanks for the information.
Thank you for reading! 🙂
How could we overcome jealousy. Its like jealous with someone who is not linked to you bt you are still connecting yourself every single moment as that guy is important in your special person’s life. Dont know y i feel helpless n demotivat or deteriorate myself that moment?
I think that this happens because you somehow linked your wellbeing with that person. If you manage to break that connection, you won’t be so affected anymore. Your wellbeing is not actually related to anybody, but you. Link it with yourself.
Hmm yeah thank you.