Definition

A feeling of joy or satisfaction that comes from seeing someone else's difficulties or misfortunes.

Example

She felt a sense of schadenfreude when her rival failed the exam.

Conversation

Did you hear about Tom's car breaking down on the highway?

Yeah, I did! I have to admit, I felt a bit of schadenfreude since he always brags about his new car.

It's funny how that works, right?

Exactly! Sometimes it's hard not to feel a little joy when someone so confident faces a setback.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Schadenfreude is a German word formed from "Schaden" (meaning harm or damage) and "Freude" (meaning joy). It describes the feeling of pleasure derived from someone else's misfortune.

Memory Tip

Think of feeling 'joy' ('Freude') from someone else's 'harm' ('Schaden') — that's what schadenfreude means.

Visually Confused Words