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jealous

adj. · v.
US //ˈdʒɛɫəs// UK //dʒˈɛləs// jeal·ous
  1. 1 envy of others (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    feeling unhappy or angry because you want something that someone else has, like their success or possessions.

    feeling or showing resentment or envy of someone else's possessions, qualities, or achievements.

    Example

    He was jealous of his friend's new job and higher salary.

    Example

    The younger sibling was often jealous of the attention and praise lavished upon the eldest for her academic achievements.
    Pitfall
    She was jealous for her sister's new car.
    She was jealous of her sister's new car.

    Use the preposition 'of' after jealous when naming the person or thing you envy.

  2. 2 romantic suspicion (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    feeling upset or worried because you think a person you love likes someone else.

    feeling or showing suspicion of a partner's or lover's fidelity; troubled by the fear of being replaced.

    Example

    Her boyfriend gets jealous whenever she talks to other men at parties.

    Example

    The protagonist's jealous nature eventually eroded the trust in the relationship, leading to a bitter and inevitable separation.
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  1. 3 protective (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    very careful to protect something you have because you value it highly.

    vigilant or fiercely protective of one's rights, possessions, or reputation.

    Example

    The small nation was jealous of its independence and refused to join the union.

    Example

    The guild was jealous of its ancient privileges, resisting any legislative attempt to modernise the industry's traditional practices.

    Usage

    Often followed by the preposition 'of'.
  2. 4 to harass (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Slang

    to bother or attack someone because you are jealous of them.

    to harass, target, or physically attack an individual due to feelings of jealousy or envy.

    Example

    The group started jealousying him just because he won the prize.

    Example

    In certain online communities, users may jealous those who achieve sudden viral fame through coordinated harassment campaigns.

    Teacher's tip

    This verb use is very rare and restricted to specific slang registers; learners should stick to 'make someone jealous' or 'act out of jealousy' in standard contexts.
Origin

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.

Word family

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