envier

The French verb "envier" means "to envy" in English. It describes the feeling of wanting what someone else has, whether it's possessions, qualities, achievements, or circumstances.

Meaning:

• To feel a desire to have the same thing as another person.
• To be jealous or covetous of someone else’s advantages, belongings, or traits.

Example:

• "Je t’envie ta maison au bord de la mer."
  ("I envy your house by the sea.")

Synonyms and nuances:

1. "jalouser"

   • Also means "to envy" but often carries a stronger sense of jealousy, especially related to personal relationships or affection.
   • It often implies insecurity or possessiveness.
   • Example: "Il jalouse son frère." (He is jealous of his brother.)

2. "convoiter"

   • Means "to covet," with a sense of desire for something usually forbidden or someone else’s possession.
   • Has a more intense or sometimes negative connotation regarding desire.
   • Example: "Elle convoite la promotion de son collègue." (She covets her colleague’s promotion.)

Summary of differences:

• Envier is the more neutral and general term for envy, focusing on the feeling of desire or wishing to have the same thing.
• Jalouser is more specifically about jealousy, often linked to emotions toward personal relationships.
• Convoiter stresses a stronger, often more negative desire for something that may not be rightfully yours.

Use envier when expressing straightforward envy or admiration for what someone has.