Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Synonyms
Nearby Words

Jealous

 - 3 dictionary results

jeal⋅ous

  [jel-uhs]
Use Jealous in a Sentence
–adjective
1. feeling resentment against someone because of that person's rivalry, success, or advantages (often fol. by of): He was jealous of his rich brother.
2. feeling resentment because of another's success, advantage, etc. (often fol. by of): He was jealous of his brother's wealth.
3. characterized by or proceeding from suspicious fears or envious resentment: a jealous rage; jealous intrigues.
4. inclined to or troubled by suspicions or fears of rivalry, unfaithfulness, etc., as in love or aims: a jealous husband.
5. solicitous or vigilant in maintaining or guarding something: The American people are jealous of their freedom.
6. Bible. intolerant of unfaithfulness or rivalry: The Lord is a jealous God.
Origin:
1175–1225; ME jelous, gelos < OF gelos (F jaloux) < VL *zēlōsus, equiv. to LL zēl(us) zeal + ōsus -ose 1

Related forms:
jeal⋅ous⋅ly, adverb
jeal⋅ous⋅ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To Jealous
jeal·ous   (jěl'əs)   
adj.  

  1. Fearful or wary of being supplanted; apprehensive of losing affection or position.

    1. Resentful or bitter in rivalry; envious: jealous of the success of others.

    2. Inclined to suspect rivalry.

  3. Having to do with or arising from feelings of envy, apprehension, or bitterness: jealous thoughts.

  4. Vigilant in guarding something: We are jealous of our good name.

  5. Intolerant of disloyalty or infidelity; autocratic: a jealous God.


[Middle English jelous, from Old French gelos, jealous, zealous, from Vulgar Latin *zēlōsus, from Late Latin zēlus, zeal; see zeal.]
jeal'ous·ly adv., jeal'ous·ness n.
Synonyms: These adjectives mean resentfully or painfully desirous of another's advantages: jealous of a friend's success; covetous of my neighbor's possessions; envious of their art collection.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History

jealous 
c.1225, from O.Fr. gelos (12c., Fr. jaloux), from L.L. zelosus, from zelus "zeal," from Gk. zelos, sometimes "jealousy," but more often in a good sense ("emulation, rivalry, zeal"). See zeal. Among the ways to express this are Swed. svartsjuka, lit. "black-sick," from phrase bara svarta strumpor "wear black stockings," also "be jealous." Dan. skinsyg "jealous," lit. "skin-sick," is from skind "hide, skin" said to be explained by Swed. dial. expression fa skinn "receive a refusal in courtship."
"Most of the words for 'envy' ... had from the outset a hostile force, based on 'look at' (with malice
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Search another word or see Jealous on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way