Etymology Map
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Envy

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means resentful longing for what another has

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

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

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.