AbstractThe association between envy and emotional intelligence (EI) has been documented. This study aimed to explore the causal relationship between envy and EI based on evolutionary theory and an emotional intelligence ability model in a cross‐lagged longitudinal design. Using the revised Chinese version of the Dispositional Envy Scale and the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale, a 1‐year follow‐up study was conducted on 260 Chinese university students (56 males and 204 females). Longitudinal analysis indicated that envy and EI tracked over time. Cross‐lagged analysis found that envy could significantly predict the generation and development of EI as well as its four dimensions (self‐emotional appraisal, emotional regulation, othersʼ emotional appraisal, and emotional use). Our findings provide better understanding of the link between envy and EI. These results are helpful for improving undergraduatesʼ social adaptation levels.