Great question. To be envious means that you would like the advantages or things of another person but do not have any bad feelings towards that person. To be jealous is a much stronger feeling. It means you have angry and suspicious feelings towards another person because they have something that you want. You see that other person as a rival. However a lot of native English speakers use the two words to mean the same thing.

Envy is less personal. For Example: "I am jealous that my friend owns a house' means I want that house. "Hey John, I really envy you" means I am happy for you and wish it was me. We feel bad that we have jealousy it is not a nice trait but to want what someone else has can be quite natural. Some people use these words as synonyms however jealousy is always associated with rage at not having something. Envy is more poetic.

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