jealousy
UK: ˈdʒeləsi | US: ˈdʒeləsi
n. A feeling of envy or resentment toward someone because of their advantages, possessions, or relationships.
n. Vigilance in guarding something (archaic).
The word "jealousy" traces back to Old French jalousie, derived from jaloux (jealous), which itself stems from Late Latin zelosus (full of zeal), rooted in Greek zēlos (zeal, ardor). Originally, it conveyed intense devotion or fervor (as in religious zeal), but over time, it shifted to describe possessive or envious emotions—likely due to the association of zeal with rivalry or competition. The suffix -ous (adjective-forming) and -y (noun-forming) were added in Middle English to create the modern noun.
Her jealousy flared when she saw him talking to another woman.
Sibling jealousy often arises when parents show favoritism.
He felt a pang of jealousy at his friend's promotion.
In Shakespeare's Othello, jealousy drives the tragic plot.
Healthy relationships require trust to avoid unnecessary jealousy.