I had a friend over recently and he expressed happiness for our family and home life. He was envious but with no negative connotations. It is something he wants for himself but is happy we have it. What would you call that?
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I have never considered 'envy' to be resentful, but 'jealous' is, which more suggests "I want it, but you should not have it". Cambridge carries no negativity for 'envy' but Chambers does.– Weather VaneCommented Aug 14, 2023 at 22:06
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...saying to someone "I envy you" can be a compliment said up-front, whereas "I am jealous of you" is not, and is rarely actually spoken for that reason, but left on the back burner to simmer.– Weather VaneCommented Aug 14, 2023 at 22:22
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I find vicarious joy in your good fortune.– Yosef BaskinCommented Aug 14, 2023 at 23:04
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