green-eyed monster: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Literary, figurative, sometimes used ironically.
Quick answer
What does “green-eyed monster” mean?
Jealousy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Jealousy; intense envy or suspicion regarding a rival or a perceived advantage of another.
A metaphor representing jealousy as a consuming, monstrous force that can distort perception and drive irrational behavior.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The phrase is equally understood in both varieties due to its Shakespearean origin.
Connotations
Slightly literary or high-register in both contexts. Can be used with a humorous or self-deprecating tone when acknowledging one's own jealousy.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday conversation, but moderately frequent in literary analysis, psychology discussions, and figurative writing.
Grammar
How to Use “green-eyed monster” in a Sentence
[Subject] is plagued/haunted by the green-eyed monster.[Subject] arouses/feeds the green-eyed monster in [Person/Group].The green-eyed monster of [possessive noun phrase, e.g., professional rivalry, sibling envy]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “green-eyed monster” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She green-eyed-monstered her way through the party, making snide remarks about everyone's achievements. (Informal, jocular, rare)
American English
- He totally green-eyed-monstered when he saw his brother's new car. (Informal, jocular, rare)
adjective
British English
- His green-eyed-monster tendencies were painfully obvious. (Informal, derived)
American English
- She gave him a green-eyed-monster look when he mentioned his ex. (Informal, derived)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically to describe unhealthy rivalry or resentment over a colleague's promotion or success.
Academic
Used in literary criticism (esp. Shakespeare studies) and psychology texts discussing emotional states.
Everyday
Used humorously or self-consciously: 'I tried to be happy for her, but the green-eyed monster got the better of me.'
Technical
Not typically used in technical contexts outside of humanities.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “green-eyed monster”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “green-eyed monster”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “green-eyed monster”
- Using it as a countable noun (*a green-eyed monster).
- Using it without 'the' (*Green-eyed monster made him act badly).
- Confusing it with literal green-eyed creatures.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
William Shakespeare, in his play 'Othello' (Act 3, Scene 3), spoken by the villain Iago.
Yes, but cautiously. It is a literary metaphor suitable for essays in the humanities, opinion pieces, or figurative descriptions. It may be too figurative for highly technical or scientific reports.
In modern usage of the phrase, they are largely conflated, though purists might argue 'jealousy' involves fear of losing something (often a relationship) to a rival, while 'envy' is wanting what someone else has. The phrase covers both intense feelings.
Use it as a singular noun, almost always preceded by 'the'. Common verbs: 'awaken', 'feed', 'be consumed by', 'conquer'. Example: 'Seeing their social media posts awakened the green-eyed monster in me.'
Jealousy.
Green-eyed monster: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡriːn ˌaɪd ˈmɒnstə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡrin ˌaɪd ˈmɑːnstər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “See green”
- “Green with envy”
- “The jealousy bug (informal)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of Shakespeare's Othello, where Iago warns, 'O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on.' The 'green' links to the common association of green with envy.
Conceptual Metaphor
JEALOUSY IS A MONSTER / EMOTIONS ARE CREATURES.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary origin of the phrase 'green-eyed monster'?