enviableadj.
/ˈɛnvɪəb(ə)l/ That is to be envied.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > jealousy or envy > [adjective] > that is to be envied
envious1590
enviable1602
1602 R. Carew Surv. Cornwall ii. f. 117v An enuiable mediocritie of fortune.
1779 E. Burke Corr. (1844) II. 278 My situation is anything rather than enviable.
1812 G. Chalmers Hist. View Domest. Econ. Great Brit. & Ireland 293 The foe never sets his foot on this enviable island.
1855 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. III. 3 William was, at this time one of the most enviable of human beings.
1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. §27. 196 Unlike the enviable ostrich, I cannot shut my eyes to danger when it is near.
Derivatives
ˈenviableness n. rare the quality or condition of being enviable.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > jealousy or envy > [noun] > envy > quality of being enviable
enviableness1833
enviabilitya1916
1833 H. Martineau Charmed Sea iii. 36 The enviableness of her calm state of feeling.
ˈenviably adv. in an enviable manner or degree.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > jealousy or envy > [adverb] > enviably
enviably1823
1823 J. Badcock Domest. Amusem. 140 That enviably brilliant covering.
1855 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. IV. 380 There was scarcely in all Europe a residence more enviably situated.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1891; most recently modified version published online June 2021).
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adj.1602