invidious
Definitions
Likely to cause resentment or ill-feeling, often because unfair
招人反感的；令人不快的（因不公平）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedLatin in- (upon, against) + videre (look) = invidēre, 'to look against / cast an evil eye on' — to envy or begrudge. invidious describes something that provokes that hostile, resentful look: an invidious comparison singles people out unfairly and breeds resentment.
Root vis still carries 107 more wordsWhy It Means This
This is the 'evil eye' branch of the see-root. The Romans pictured envy as a hostile stare — looking AGAINST someone (in- + videre). English kept that image: invidious things are the ones that make others look at you with resentment. The same root gives us envy itself (via French envie).
Common Collocations
- 1.invidious comparison不公平的比较
- 2.invidious position尴尬两难的处境
- 3.invidious distinction招人反感的区别对待
Example Sentences
- 1.
It would be invidious to name only a few of the many who helped.
- 2.
She was in the invidious position of having to judge her own friends.
- 3.
Comparing the two schools so bluntly seemed invidious.
Easily Confused
invidious vs insidious — they sound alike but are unrelated. invidious (from videre, 'see/envy') = provoking resentment, unfair (an invidious comparison). insidious (from insidiae, 'ambush') = creeping and harmful in a hidden way (an insidious disease). Resentment → invidious; sneaky danger → insidious.