An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Annotated/Neid

by Friedrich Kluge

Neid, masculine, ‘envy, grudge,’ from Middle High German nît (genitive nîdes), masculine, ‘hostile disposition, warlike fury, grudge, jealousy, envy,’ Old High German nîd, masculine, ‘hatred, anger, envy.’ It corresponds to Old Saxon nîð, masculine, ‘zeal, hostile conflict, hatred,’ Dutch nijd, masculine, ‘envy,’ Anglo-Saxon nîþ, masculine, ‘endeavour, effort, hostility’ (obsolete in English). In East Teutonic the corresponding word is neuter, Gothic neiþ, neuter, ‘envy,’ Old Icelandic nið, neuter, ‘disgrace, opprobrious term.’ Teutonic *nîþa-, connected with Latin nîtor, ‘to exert oneself’? —