jealous

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective showing extreme cupidity; painfully desirous of another's advantages
  2. adjective suspicious or unduly suspicious or fearful of being displaced by a rival

Etymology

First attested in 1382. From Middle English jelous, gelous, gelus, from Old French jalous, from Late Latin zelosus, from Ancient Greek ζῆλος (zêlos, “zeal, jealousy”). Doublet of zealous.

In classic literature

Synonyms

covetous, envious

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