The basic difference between Envy and Jealousy is that the envious want to covet what somebody else possesses and he lacks. Whereas Jealous is the one who fears losing something he possesses to somebody else due to either insecurity or some other trait the other possesses.
If we specifically talk about people only, then this is mainly concerned with the order of events how they take place.
For a person to envy somebody, there doesn’t have to be a prior connection involved. On the other hand, jealousy only occurs in situations where there is a prior connection between the parties involved.
It can be described as the number of people involved in the cause and effect of the sentiment; two being in the former and three in the latter.
Envy vs Jealousy
The main difference between Envy and Jealousy is that since envy is the bitterness one feels for the lack of an attribute or object that somebody else possesses, meaning it is a sentiment involving two people, the envious and the person being envied.
Whereas Jealousy, mostly is the emotion one feels when his connection or relationship with a person who he is close to, is affected by their connection or involvement with another entity who is somehow better in something. Meaning, three people are involved.
Comparison Table Between Envy and Jealousy (in Tabular Form)
| Parameter of Comparison | Envy | Jealousy |
|---|---|---|
| Object of sentiment | Could be a trait, quality, riches or caliber in another person | mostly people |
| People involved | Two | Three or more |
| Cause of the sentiment | Wish to acquire something the other has | Fear of losing something to someone else |
| Effected persons | The person who envies is affected only by suffering within himself | The person who is jealous not only disturbs the other people involved but might also take violent action in response |
| Emotional effects | If not controlled, envy creates disdain and long-term disappointment because the object of envy constantly reminds of what one lacks so even if he tries, he cannot feel successful or acknowledge his own accomplishments | If not controlled, jealousy creates ill-mannerism and spite in the person because he keeps thinking about how to bring the opponent down and perhaps ruin his chances of success. As a result he does not focus on his own betterment |
| End result | No improvement in life except for mental discomfort and unhappiness | Relations of a jealous person become distant due to his behavior and life quality further worsens |
What is Envy?
Envy is defined as the desire of achieving something that another individual has. It is generally a silent emotion, dwelling inside a person’s heart and makes the sinner a victim of his own feelings.
The person he is envious of may or may not even know that another person is being affected by some of their qualities or possessions but suffering continues for the sinner.
This is why it is considered as one of the seven deadliest sins as it is self-harming and brings no positive results.
For example, a person could be envious of someone’s good looks or success or talents if he finds himself less attractive or has no confidence in his achievements or caliber.
What is Jealousy?
Jealousy is defined as the insecurity of a person which makes him afraid of losing something he holds precious to someone else who may or may not have characteristics that he might or might not possess.
It makes a person possessive about his relationships and creates obsession and unhealthy concern for his loved ones. Jealousy not only affects the sinner but also the people close to him because his reactions and responses are molded accordingly.
He focuses on the negative aspects of a situation because of his own fears and hence invites repulsion.
For example, a person could become jealous of a stranger if his friends take more interest in them and their hobbies or if his family is more appreciative of their achievements and skills or his spouse is attracted to them.
He will feel like his friends or family are driven towards the other person and hence will deprive him of their time and attention.
Main Differences Between Envy and Jealousy
- Envy compels a person to crave things that he finds in someone else but himself lacks whereas jealousy compels a person to be fearful of someone taking away from him something he dearly values
- Envy is a silent emotion such as yearning whereas jealousy is outright and revengeful
- Envy brings damage to the person himself whereas jealousy damages himself and people around him
- Envy makes a person dissatisfied with his life or blessings whereas jealousy makes a person hateful and unpleasant towards his assumed opponent
- Envious people become distant from their loved ones due to their internal distress whereas jealous people become overprotective of their loved ones due to their anxiety.
- Envious people always compare themselves to others and try to find faults that might not even matter but become a cause of discontentment for them whereas jealous people find themselves constantly in competition with the others. They believe they have to prove themselves better or avenge their opponents to be successful.
Conclusion
Although both the words, Envy, and Jealousy, have been used since early ages and despite being mostly used in the same context are entirely opposite in meaning but some dictionaries, such as Merriam-Webster, indicate that both envy and jealousy, can be used for similar sentiment unless a romantic aspect is involved.
Whenever there is romance involved, the term used for the emotion in play will be jealousy to refer to someone who wants to covet a person dearly beloved.
Fact remains that both emotions are though separate in nature but are somewhat interrelated and also equally foul.
If such feelings are not controlled, they might end up causing serious problems of mental and physical health, relationships and behaviors.
To control such emotions, it is necessary to try to be thankful for one’s own merits and not see oneself in the light of others.
References
- https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1993-36273-001
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0146167288142017
- https://guilfordjournals.com/doi/abs/10.1521/jscp.1988.7.1.15
- https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1991-97036-010