VocabDictionary

boast

/boสŠst/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.verb

To talk with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about one's achievements, possessions, or abilities.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œHe boasted about his new promotion to everyone in the office.โ€
  • โ€œThe company boasts that its new software is the fastest on the market.โ€
2.noun

A statement of excessive pride or a source of pride that one possesses.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œIt is his greatest boast that he has never missed a day of work in twenty years.โ€
  • โ€œThe city's main boast is its world-class museum.โ€
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for โ€œboastโ€.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Originating from the Middle English 'bosten', the word's history is somewhat obscure. It likely stems from the Anglo-Norman 'boster' (to brag), which may have roots in the Middle Dutch 'bostelen' (to make a noise or bluster). It has been used since the 14th century to describe both the act of speaking with excessive pride and the possession of something worthy of pride.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'boastful' person who is always 'boosting' their own ego.

Common Collocations & Phrases
Rhyming Words

Frequently Asked Questions About โ€œboastโ€

1. What is the meaning of โ€œboastโ€ in English?

In English, boast (verb) is defined as: โ€œTo talk with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about one's achievements, possessions, or abilities.โ€.

2. How do you use โ€œboastโ€ in a sentence?

โ€œHe boasted about his new promotion to everyone in the office.โ€

3. What are English synonyms of โ€œboastโ€?

Common synonyms include:brag,gloat,vaunt,show off

4. What is the etymology and word origin of โ€œboastโ€?

Originating from the Middle English 'bosten', the word's history is somewhat obscure. It likely stems from the Anglo-Norman 'boster' (to brag), which may have roots in the Middle Dutch 'bostelen' (to make a noise or bluster). It has been used since the 14th century to describe both the act of speaking with excessive pride and the possession of something worthy of pride.