jeal ‧ ous ‧ y /ˈdʒeləsi/ BrE AmE noun ( plural jealousies )
[uncountable and countable] a feeling of being jealous ⇨ envy
a pang/stab/twinge of jealousy (=a sudden feeling of jealousy)
Polly felt a sharp pang of jealousy when she saw Paul with Suzanne.
Sexual jealousy is a common motive for murder.
feelings of professional jealousy
He quickly discovered the petty jealousies and gossip of village life.
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COLLOCATIONS
■ phrases
▪ feelings of jealousy
How do I deal with my feelings of jealousy regarding my girlfriend?
▪ a pang/stab/twinge of jealousy (=a sudden feeling of jealousy)
Polly felt a sharp pang of jealousy when she saw Paul with Suzanne.
▪ in a fit of jealousy (=because a sudden feeling of jealousy makes you do something)
In a fit of jealousy, Ben broke off their engagement.
■ adjectives
▪ pure jealousy
Their remarks were motivated by pure jealousy.
▪ petty jealousy disapproving (=jealousy about unimportant things)
He quickly discovered the petty jealousies and gossip of village life.
▪ sexual jealousy (=jealousy caused by sexual desire)
Sexual jealousy is a common motive for murder.
▪ professional jealousy (=between people who do the same kind of work)
Feelings of professional jealousy can upset the workings of an office.
■ verbs
▪ feel jealousy
He felt a lot of jealousy at the thought of her with Tony.
▪ cause jealousy
A partner's involvement with friends, family, or work colleagues can cause jealousy.