Jealousy vs. Envy

A main part of the curriculum at my school revolves around social skills and identifying emotions. Recently, while reading a novel in class, one of the story's main characters commented on the relationship between two other main characters, wishing she had the same "bond" they shared. My co-teachers described the emotion this character experienced as "jealousy" simply because the emotion stemmed from a comment on a romantic relationship; I, bound by the exactness of language and my love of words, attempted to explain this character did not feel "jealousy" but was, in fact, exhibiting "envy." One of my co-teachers responded with, "Well, yeah, that too. They're synonyms."

I also believe people misuse the word "synonym" as well, but that is a topic for another post (words categorized as "synonyms" does not mean said words actually translate to the "same" thing; they only share "similar" characteristics.)

I explained my reasoning for interjecting into their lesson, and my co-teachers simply responded with, "It doesn't matter because people use [the word jealousy] that way all the time."

And alas! I must agree with them on that account, because common usage does change meanings of words over time, but I believe these words demand recognition separately because they distinctly represent different emotions. 

Distinguishing between these two words if fairly simple:

Envy - is an emotional state shared between two parties (usually people, but only one party actually needs to be human in this sense); one party wants, desires, covets, something another party possesses.

Jealousy - is an emotional state shared between three parties (usually people, but only one party actually needs to be human in this sense as well); one party is worried that another second party will steal or take away a third party that the first party already possesses.

So in reference to the above picture, the female on the left of the picture could be experiencing both "jealousy" and "envy" simultaneously:

The female on the left is "envious" if she wishes her bust was as fruitful as the female on the right; or if she wishes her hair to be blonde as the female on the right.

The female on the left is "jealous" if she is worried the female on the right is going to "steal" her boyfriend or "take away" her previously sought after promotion because their boss thinks blondes really are more fun.

Or...both scenarios could be occurring.

So if you can experience both emotions at the same time, how can they be exactly the same emotion? Simple answer: they cannot. Learn your words, people...and use them powerfully.