B2verbemotionsrelationships
US/ˈen.vi/
UK/ˈen.vi/
to wish you had something that another person has
In context
I really envy people who can sleep anywhere.
Many of her classmates envy her perfect English accent.
I don't envy you; working two jobs must be exhausting.
Words that go with envy
adverb + verb
- really envyI really envy anyone who can cook without a recipe.
- secretly envyAs a teenager, I secretly envied my brother's freedom.
- much enviedShe has a much envied job testing hotels around the world.
verb + preposition
- envied byHis calm confidence was envied by all his colleagues.
verb + noun
- envy the richMany people envy the rich but never see how hard they work.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I am envy of her new job.Correct: I envy her new job. / I am envious of her new job.