[General] sense of humor

[SoothingDave]

I don't know that the dictionary says anything about "winning," but that is how I have always seen "gloating" used. Schadenfreude is not the same as gloating.

 

[Eckaslike]

If it is different, can someone tell me exactly how it is different?

I've shown in post number 19 that gloat can be used in a "shadenfreude-like" manner.

There is obviously some additional subtlety about schadenfreude that I can't see.

Dave, this may be a difference between our regional variations of English. I have known gloat to be used in that manner. But it sounds, from what you are saying, that your variation of AmE doesn't use it that way.

 

[MikeNewYork]

I think that gloating can be part of schadenfreude. But there is a another part -- a silent satisfaction about the misery of others.

 

[Eckaslike]

Is it that schadenfreude is therefore a much darker, intense feeling than one gets from gloating, almost bordering on the malevolent?

Would it be the feeling that Dracula might have as he smiles inwardly to himself, when his victims realise that they are trapped within his castle?

Imagine taking a lift (or an elevator) down into the pit of malevolence. The surface is level zero, and level 10 is as deep and intensely malevolent as you can go. If I place "gloat" down on level three, where would you place schadenfreude?

 

[MikeNewYork]

I would say at least 4. Schadenfreude contains all the elements of gloating and more.

 

[J&K Tutoring]

"If it is different, can someone tell me exactly how it is different?"

Gloat is easier to spell...

 

[MikeNewYork]

Decidedly. :lol:

 

[Tdol]

I think that gloating can be part of schadenfreude. But there is a another part -- a silent satisfaction about the misery of others.

Gloating could be an instance of it, but it's a subset rather than a synonym.

 

[MikeNewYork]

I agree.