definition of envious
Envious is another way to say jealous or resentful â in other words, you want what someone else has, whether it's charming good looks or the last chocolate frosted donut. Once upon a time, envious meant âeager to emulate.â Now a days this adjective is used to describe covetous feelings or a state of painful desire. Envious usually isn't a good thing to be; it's better to let it go and be happy with what you've got. Just remember the words of the wise Greek philosopher Antisthenes: As iron is eaten away by rust, so the envious are consumed by their own passion.