Cool MateEnvy vs Resent
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Envy
Top 2,000 (common)B1noun
Resent
Top 3,000 (common)B1verb
Most common: Envy
| Envy | Resent | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈɛnvi//🇺🇸 //ˈɛnvi// | 🇬🇧 //rɪˈzɛnt//🇺🇸 //rɪˈzɛnt// |
| Meaning | A feeling of wanting what someone else has. | To feel angry or upset about something that seems unfair. |
| Example | She felt a pang of **envy** when she saw her friend's new house. | She began to resent her coworker for taking credit for her ideas. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | B1 |
| Part of speech | noun | verb |
| Collocations | feel envy, envy someone, green with envy | strongly resent, rightly resent, deeply resent |
| Antonyms | admiration, contentment, satisfaction | forgive, accept |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'jealousy', which means fear of losing something, not just wanting what others have., Using 'envious' incorrectly as a noun instead of the adjective form., Saying someone is 'envious of' without addressing what they are envious about. | Confusing 'resent' with 'regret', which implies sadness rather than anger., Overusing 'resent' to describe mild annoyance instead of stronger feelings., Using 'resent' without an object, which is grammatically incorrect. |
| Usage notes | Use 'envy' to express feelings about others' possessions or achievements. Avoid using it in overly formal contexts. It can have negative connotations. | Use 'resent' in situations where someone feels bitterness or indignation, usually in formal or neutral contexts. |
Frequently asked questions: Envy vs Resent
What's the difference between Envy and Resent?
Envy: A feeling of wanting what someone else has. Resent: To feel angry or upset about something that seems unfair.
Which is more common: Envy and Resent?
Envy is the most common in everyday English.
Are Envy and Resent the same CEFR level?
Envy: B1, Resent: B1 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Envy and Resent interchangeably?
Not always. Envy and Resent are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.