Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In a gloating manner: Showing excessive pride, satisfaction, or pleasure, especially in one's own success or another's misfortune, in a way that is often offensive or boastful.

Usage

The adverb "gloatingly" is used to describe how an action, typically speaking or observing, is performed. It modifies verbs to indicate the action is done with a smug, self-satisfied, and often malicious sense of triumph.

Examples

• Adverb:
  • He smiled gloatingly as his opponent conceded defeat.
  • She gloatingly recounted how she had won the argument.
  • The villain laughed gloatingly while revealing his master plan.

Advanced Usage

• Used with verbs of communication or expression: "Gloatingly" most naturally collocates with verbs like , , , , , , , and .
  • The investor gloatingly pointed out the failure of his rival's project.
• Implied Schadenfreude: The word often carries the connotation of taking pleasure in someone else's failure or bad luck, a concept known as "schadenfreude."

Variants and Related Words

• Gloat (verb): To observe or think about something with triumphant and often malicious satisfaction, gratification, or delight.
  • He would gloat over his chess victories.
• Gloating (noun/adjective): The act or an instance of gloating; showing such satisfaction.
  • His gloating was insufferable. (noun)
  • She gave him a gloating look. (adjective)

Synonyms

• Smugly: With excessive pride in oneself or one's achievements.
• Triumphantly: In a manner celebrating a great victory or achievement.
• Vaingloriously: With excessive vanity or boastful pride.
• Self-satisfiedly: In a pleased and contented way with oneself.

Antonyms

• Humbly: In a modest or lowly manner.
• Sympathetically: With feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune.
• Graciously: In a courteous, kind, and pleasant manner, especially in victory.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To rub it in: (Idiom, phrasal verb) To emphasize or dwell on someone's mistake or misfortune in a way that makes them feel worse. This is a more informal concept similar to acting gloatingly.
  • After I lost the bet, he kept rubbing it in by describing his expensive new purchase.

Adverb

1. in a gloating manner
   • he spoke gloatingly about people he had cheated out of their money