Boast
/boʊst/
verbBeginner📊CommonGeneral
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase2 questions
Definitions
2 meanings1
To talk with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about one's achievements, possessions, or abilities.
/boʊst/
verbnegativeBeginner
General
To speak with excessive pride
She boasted endlessly about her trip to Europe.
💡 Simply: To brag.
More Examples
2
He boasted that he could lift 300 pounds.
How It's Used
Everyday Conversation
"He boasted about his new car."
Literature
"The knight boasted of his valiant deeds."
2
A proud statement or claim, often exaggerated.
/boʊst/
nounneutralBeginner
General
A proud statement or claim
Her boast about winning the lottery turned out to be true.
💡 Simply: A brag.
More Examples
2
His boast was met with skepticism.
How It's Used
Everyday Conversation
"His boast about his skills was soon proven false."
Tip:A boast is like a loud, proud shout.
Idioms & expressions
boast about
To brag about something.
"He boasted about his new job."
From Old English *bōst, meaning 'show off,' related to the verb 'show.'
Historically, 'boast' had a slightly less negative connotation, sometimes implying a justifiable pride.
Memory tip
Think of a rooster boasting about its crowing.
Word Origin
LanguageOld English
Original meaning
"to show off"
Base: boast
boast aboutboast ofempty boast
Common misspellings
boasttbosst
Practice
Usage
60%Spoken
40%Written