Gloat

To Gloat is to contemplate with excessive pride or satisfaction, often over one's own success or another's misfortune. It involves a sense of smugness and self-importance, deriving pleasure from a superior position, whether real or perceived. This feeling can manifest in overt displays of triumph, such as boasting or condescending remarks, or through inward satisfaction, a quiet enjoyment of a perceived advantage. The act of gloating often implies a lack of empathy or consideration for others' feelings and can be perceived as arrogant or cruel, especially when the context involves a competitor's failure or someone else's pain. It can signify a lack of humility and an excessive focus on personal achievement, regardless of its impact on others.

Gloat meaning with examples

• After winning the championship, the team captain couldn't resist gloating, repeatedly reminding the losing team of their decisive victory and the score. His arrogant demeanor led to a tense post-game environment, demonstrating poor sportsmanship and a lack of respect for his opponents.
• She refrained from gloating when her colleague was demoted, although she had secretly hoped for the position. She maintained a professional silence, choosing to focus on her own work rather than indulge in the satisfaction of her competitor's setback, knowing the potential negative repercussions of unprofessional gloating.
• The villain in the story gloated over the hero's impending doom, savoring the moment of power and anticipated victory. His laughter echoed through the cavern, revealing his cruel nature and complete lack of empathy for his adversary, making his wickedness palpable.
• He saw his rival's project fail and, though he didn't say anything, he couldn't help but Gloat inwardly at his own success, a private triumph. This internal satisfaction was a subtle contrast to the outward support he feigned, illustrating the complexity of human emotion.