enviable
adjective
QUIZZES
THINK YOU’VE GOT A HANDLE ON THIS US STATE NICKNAME QUIZ?
OTHER WORDS FROM enviable
Words nearby enviable
VOCAB BUILDER
What does enviable mean?
Enviable means very desirable. It’s especially used to describe things that a person has and that other people want—or a person that other people want to be like.
In other words, enviable means worthy of or likely to cause envy—a feeling of desire for something that someone else has and you do not. Envy is also a verb meaning to have feelings of envy toward someone, and enviable is formed from this verb.
Envy is not a good feeling—it can be described as a mix of admiration and discontent. Enviable is often used to describe things that are so good that other people will naturally want them (and might even get a little envious or jealous).
The opposite of enviable is unenviable, which is typically used to describe tasks or positions that no one wants, as in He was given the unenviable task of making sure everyone paid on time.
Example: It’s an enviable position, with a lot of perks, so naturally we have many applicants.
Where does enviable come from?
The first records of the word enviable come from around 1600. Its base word, envy, comes from the Latin invidia, a derivative of the Latin verb invidēre, meaning “to envy” or, more poetically, “to eye maliciously.”
Something that’s enviable, such as a person’s qualities or possessions, is something that others are eyeing, especially when they are better or more plentiful. Success is enviable. Wealth is enviable. Good hair is enviable. Having something or being in a position that’s enviable means that other people will want what you have.
Did you know ... ?
What are some other forms related to enviable?
- enviably (adverb)
- unenviable (adjective)
- unenviably (adverb)
- envy (noun)
What are some synonyms for enviable?
What are some words that share a root or word element with enviable?
What are some words that often get used in discussing enviable?
How is enviable used in real life?
Enviable is commonly used to describe desirable tasks, positions, or personal qualities.
“…having an enviable career is one thing, and being a happy person is another. Creating a life that reflects your values and satisfies your soul is a rare achievement." pic.twitter.com/3NSKRmxGKr
— Chuba Ezekwesili (@ChubaEzeks) June 15, 2020
Why the Mets have one of the most enviable DH situations of any NL team. (Hint: It's not just Yoenis Céspedes.)https://t.co/ZBKJiHwKWz
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) June 24, 2020
A few of the most aspirational and enviable of our annual feathered visitors, who have migrated back into town as we isolate in our homes. https://t.co/BfSkdKBOtg
— The New Yorker (@NewYorker) July 18, 2020
Try using enviable!
Is enviable used correctly in the following sentence?
Her considerable skill is enviable for anyone who even dabbles in music.