envy

Where does the word "envy" come from? It comes from Latin invidia, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

Envy’s story begins in Latin: invidia meant “envy, ill will.” From 'invidere', to look at askance: 'in', upon, plus 'videre', to see. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as envie. In modern French 'envie' softened to 'desire'. It reached English by 1200s as envy. One of the seven deadly sins. Today, envy means resentful longing for what another has.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient invidia "envy, ill will", from 'invidere', to look at askance: 'in', upon, plus 'videre', to see.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval envie "envy, desire", in modern French 'envie' softened to 'desire'.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1200s envy "resentful longing", one of the seven deadly sins.