First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
jealous
adjective jeal·ous \ˈje-ləs\
Definition of JEALOUS
1
a : intolerant of rivalry or unfaithfulness b : disposed to suspect rivalry or unfaithfulness
2
: hostile toward a rival or one believed to enjoy an advantage
3
: vigilant in guarding a possession <new colonies were jealous of their new independence — Scott Buchanan>
— jeal·ous·ly adverb
— jeal·ous·ness noun
See jealous defined for English-language learners
See jealous defined for kids
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Origin of JEALOUS
Middle English jelous, from Anglo-French gelus, from Vulgar Latin *zelosus, from Late Latin zelus zeal — more at zeal
Related to JEALOUS
- Synonyms
- possessive
- Antonyms
- unenvious
JEALOUSLY Defined for Kids
jealous
adjective jeal·ous \ˈje-ləs\
Definition of JEALOUS for Kids
1
: feeling anger because of the belief that a loved one might be unfaithful <a jealous husband>
2
: feeling a mean anger toward someone because he or she is more successful
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