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British

schadenfreude

[ shahd-n-froi-duh ]

/ ˈʃɑd nˌfrɔɪ də /

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noun

satisfaction or pleasure felt at someone else's misfortune.

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Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?

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First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.

First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.

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Origin of schadenfreude

1890–95; <German, equivalent to Schaden harm + Freude joy

Words nearby schadenfreude

scfh, scfm, SCG, sch., Schacht, schadenfreude, Schaerbeek, Schaerf, Schafer method, Schaffhausen, schafskopf

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

Example sentences from the Web for schadenfreude

Later that night, delighting in schadenfreude, we marveled as he frantically scooped water from his flooded tent with a cook pot while she slept in the shelter.
What It’s Like to Fall in Love on a Long Hike|Grayson Haver Currin|February 13, 2021|Outside Online
According to social media, this moment was a pure shot of schadenfreude to fans watching at home, many of whom felt Nicole frequently played the victim after criticizing her castmates.
How ‘Big Brother’ (barely) redeemed itself after one of the most boring seasons ever|Emily Yahr|October 29, 2020|Washington Post
After having the issue taken away from them in 2012, their schadenfreude has been epic.
The Rhinohawks Come Roaring Back|James Poulos|September 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
There was no shortage of schadenfreude, with Democrats joyfully noting just how dumb those silly, delusional Republicans were.
FiveThirtyHate: Dems Attack Nate Silver|Kristen Soltis Anderson|March 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Still, Clinton aides exulted in schadenfreude when their enemies faltered.
The Hillary-Haters’ Book Club Will Never Run Out of Things to Read|Michelle Cottle|January 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
This, I confess, shamefully gave rise to momentary schadenfreude—even glee.
Violence is the New Normal in Abu Tor|Rabbi Daniel Landes|July 24, 2013|DAILY BEAST
It's pure schadenfreude for the thinking man or woman (which, of course, is partly why we tune in).
Time to Abandon the Platform Heel|Misty White Sidell|June 20, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The Germans are the only modern people who have a single word to express delight in the misfortunes of others—Schadenfreude.
Mr. Punch's History of Modern England Vol. IV of IV.|Charles L. Graves
The curious and expressive German word Schadenfreude cannot be translated into any other language.
German Problems and Personalities|Charles Sarolea
There is only one language in the world which has a word to express that type of mirth; the word is Schadenfreude.
Lord Tony's Wife|Baroness Emmuska Orczy
Neid zu fhlen, ist menschlich; Schadenfreude 35 zu geniessen, teuflisch—To feel envy is human; to joy in mischief is devilish.
Dictionary of Quotations from Ancient and Modern, English and Foreign Sources|James Wood
The word used means, like the German "Schadenfreude," rejoicing at another's injury.
Euripedes and His Age|Gilbert Murray

British Dictionary definitions for schadenfreude

Schadenfreude

/ German (ˈʃaːdənfrɔydə) /

noun

delight in another's misfortune

Word Origin for Schadenfreude

German: from Schaden harm + Freude joy

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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