los celos

Definition & meaning

Celos usually means jealousy: unease, suspicion, or resentment caused by the fear that someone’s affection or attention may be given to another person. It is especially common when talking about romantic relationships.

It can also refer to jealous feelings in other situations, such as rivalry over someone’s attention or success. Depending on context, it may overlap with envy, though jealousy often involves fear of losing something or someone.

Celos is also the plural of celo ↗, which can mean zeal or diligent care. In animal-related contexts, celo refers to heat, the period when an animal is fertile; this sense is usually used in the singular.

Grammar & Word origin

Celos is a masculine plural noun: los celos. The related singular form is celo ↗, though jealousy is most commonly expressed in the plural.

The word comes from Latin zelus, meaning “zeal” or “ardor,” ultimately from Greek zēlos. Its meanings developed to include both passionate concern and jealousy.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

• envidia ↗ — “envy”; focuses more on wanting something another person has, while celos often involves fear of losing someone’s affection or attention.
• recelo ↗ — “mistrust” or “wariness”; emphasizes suspicion more than possessiveness.
• suspicacia ↗ — “suspiciousness”; describes a tendency to suspect others, rather than jealousy itself.

Possible opposites:

• confianza ↗ — “trust”; an opposite in relationship contexts, though it is not a direct antonym in every use.
• seguridad ↗ — “confidence” or “sense of security”; can contrast with the insecurity that often fuels jealousy.

Common phrases & collocations

• tener celos de alguien ↗ — to be jealous of someone.
• ponerse celoso/a ↗ — to become jealous.
• morirse de celos ↗ — to be extremely jealous.
• una escena de celos ↗ — a jealous scene or outburst.