What does enviably mean?
Enviably is an adverb meaning 'in a way that arouses envy' — that is, in a manner so desirable or admirable that onlookers wish they possessed the same advantage. It typically modifies adjectives describing qualities widely coveted: an enviably slim figure, an enviably high income, an enviably calm temperament. Unlike its close cousin 'enviously', which describes the inner state of the person doing the envying, 'enviably' characterises the envied thing itself, and it generally carries a warm, admiring connotation rather than a resentful one. The word derives from 'envy', via Latin 'invidia', from 'invidere', 'to look against with malice'. Though not especially frequent, it appears regularly in journalism, reviews, and everyday praise, offering writers a compact way to signal that someone's good fortune is both genuine and conspicuous.
adverbIn a way that arouses envy; in a manner so desirable or admirable that others wish they had the same quality, advantage, or success.
- In a manner that arouses or merits envy; in a highly desirable or admirable way.
"She moved through the crowded room with enviably effortless grace."
"The team enjoyed an enviably comfortable lead by half-time."
"He retained an enviably youthful outlook despite decades in the profession."
Enviably is one of those rare words built to describe other people's luck — it only ever points at what someone else has and you want.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of enviably
Enviably derives from the adjective 'enviable', formed from 'envy', which traces back through Old French 'envie' to Latin 'invidia', from 'invidere' meaning 'to look at with malice' (literally 'to look against'). The adverb was formed in English with the regular '-ly' ending, likely by the seventeenth century as '-ly' adverbs from Latinate adjectives became common. Its cognates include 'envious', 'invidious', and the Latin root behind 'invidiousness'.
Related word forms
How enviably is actually used
Enviably is almost always used attributively before adjectives describing qualities regarded as desirable — health, wealth, skill, appearance, or success. It carries an admiring rather than resentful connotation in most modern usage.
Easily confused with enviably
'Enviably' describes something that provokes envy in others, while 'enviously' describes the feeling or attitude of the person who envies.