Enviously

Enviously is an adverb derived from the adjective envious, used to describe an action or state performed or felt with envy toward someone else’s qualities, achievements, or possessions. It conveys a negative or begrudging feeling of wishing for what another has.

Etymology and form: Envious originates from Old French envieus, from the Latin invidia meaning envy or spite. The adverb is formed by adding the standard English -ly suffix to the adjective envious. The common, widely accepted adverb is enviously; less common or historic spellings are not standard.

Usage and nuance: Enviously typically appears to indicate that someone acts or feels with envy. It often implies admiration tinged with resentment, rather than mere admiration or happiness for another’s success. It is distinct from jealously, which more often implies possessiveness or fear of loss, whereas enviously emphasizes coveting or resenting another’s advantages.

Examples:

- She looked at her colleague enviously as they received the promotion.

- He spoke enviously of his rival’s talents.

- The crowd watched enviously as the gymnast performed a flawless routine.

See also: envious (adjective), envy (noun and verb). While related, enviously specifically describes the manner of feeling or acting with envy, whereas envious describes a state or quality of feeling; envy denotes the emotion itself in noun or verb form.

Notes: Enviously carries a negative connotation consistent with envy, and is most appropriate in contexts describing social comparison or longing for others’ successes or possessions.