Gloat
/ɡləʊt/verb
To feel or express great pleasure or satisfaction because of your own success or good luck, or someone else's failure or bad luck.
She didn't gloat over her rival's disappointment.
Often appears as...
- gloat over
- gloat about
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Using 'gloat' often implies taking pleasure in others' misfortune, which is viewed negatively.
It's considered rude to gloat when someone else loses a game.
Pro Tip 2/3Schadenfreude
'Gloat' captures the sense of 'Schadenfreude,' a German word for joy at someone else's troubles.
He couldn't help but gloat at his competitor's predicament.
Pro Tip 3/3Not for Sympathy
Avoid 'gloat' when you aim to express sympathy or genuine concern; it's the opposite.
People were upset when he decided to gloat instead of offering comfort.
Compare with
boastbragcrowflauntparadeshow offswaggervaunted
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