'envy' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'invidia,' where 'in-' meant 'upon' and 'videre' meant 'to see.'

'invidia' transformed into the Old French word 'envie,' and eventually became the modern English word 'envy' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to look upon with malice,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to feel discontented or resentful longing.'