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Gloating: meaning, definitions and examples

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gloating

 

[ ˈɡloʊtɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

expressing pleasure

Gloating refers to the act of taking great pleasure in one's own success or another's misfortune. It often conveys a sense of smugness or superiority over someone else's failure.

Synonyms

boastfulness, revelry, self-satisfaction, smugness

Examples of usage

  • He couldn't help gloating over his opponent's loss.
  • She gloatly shared her victory on social media.
  • After winning the game, he started gloating in front of his friends.

Word origin

The word 'gloat' originated in the early 17th century, derived from the Middle English term 'glouten', which means to look slyly or with malice. The term reflects the notion of looking at something with intense satisfaction, particularly when it involves boasting or taking pleasure at the expense of others. Over time, the meaning of gloating evolved and became synonymous with expressing joy in other people's misfortunes or one's own triumphs in a way that is often deemed excessive or inappropriate. This word has maintained a somewhat negative connotation, implying that the person gloating is reveling in another's failure rather than celebrating their success humbly.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,404, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.