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boast
1[ bohst ]
verb (used without object)
- to speak with exaggeration and excessive pride, especially about oneself.
- to speak with pride (often followed by of ):
He boasted of his family's wealth.
verb (used with object)
- to speak of with excessive pride or vanity:
He boasts himself a genius.
- to be proud in the possession of:
The town boasts a new school.
noun
- a thing boasted of; a cause for pride:
Talent is his boast. It is her boast that she has never betrayed a friend.
- exaggerated or objectionable speech; bragging:
empty boasts and threats.
boast
2[ bohst ]
verb (used with object)
- to dress or shape (stone) roughly.
boast
1/ bəʊst /
verb
- intr; sometimes foll by of or about to speak in exaggerated or excessively proud terms of one's possessions, skills, or superior qualities; brag
- tr to possess (something to be proud of)
the city boasts a fine cathedral
noun
- a bragging statement
- a possession, attribute, attainment, etc, that is or may be bragged about
boast
2/ bəʊst /
verb
- tr to shape or dress (stone) roughly with a broad chisel
boast
3/ bəʊst /
noun
- a stroke in which the ball is hit on to one of the side walls before hitting the front wall
verb
- to hit (the ball) in this way or make such a stroke
Derived Forms
- ˈboasting, nounadjective
- ˈboastingly, adverb
- ˈboaster, noun
- ˈboasted, adjective
Other Words From
- boasting·ly adverb
- boastless adjective
Word History and Origins
Origin of boast1
Origin of boast2
Word History and Origins
Origin of boast1
Origin of boast2
Origin of boast3
Synonym Study
Example Sentences
It has led to people boasting online about being the top consumer of paprika, toilet cleaner or pickled gherkins.
It also accuses the group of boasting about the alleged trespasses, posting proof on social media and in correspondence with government officials.
Spurs eventually pulled themselves around, leaving Postecoglou still with the chance to fulfil his boast that he always wins a trophy in his second season.
For the uninitiated, sorting one's trash can be a convoluted process in Japan - a country that boasts one of the world's strictest garbage disposal rules.
He boasted of being one of Brad Pitt's stand-ins when the Hollywood star filmed World War Z in Glasgow in 2013.
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Related Words
More About Boast
What does boast mean?
To boast is to brag, especially in a way that exaggerates or shows excessive pride about the boaster’s skills, possessions, or accomplishments.
The word boast can also be used as a noun to refer to such a claim, as in He made outrageous boasts about how he once rode a shark.
People most often boast about themselves—their skills, their possessions, or the things that they have accomplished—but a person can also boast about someone else. A parent might boast about their child’s accomplishments, for example.
Someone who is known for boasting or who boasts excessively can be described as boastful.
The word boast can also mean to possess something in a way that’s considered worthy of pride, as in The school boasts a new library and gym. A product may be said to boast a certain feature, as in The new model boasts a 10-inch display. This sense of the word does not imply exaggeration or excessive pride like the primary sense of the word often does.
Example: He boasts about how good he is, but I’ve never actually seen him perform.
Where does boast come from?
The first records of the word boast come from the 1200s. It comes from the Middle English bosten, but its ultimate origen is uncertain.
People who boast are often trying to make their accomplishments or skills seem greater than they actually are. But this isn’t always the case—a person’s boasts may be true. Still, saying that a person boasts usually means that they are thought to lack humility—that they are too prideful.
Did you know … ?
What are some other forms related to boast?
What are some synonyms for boast?
What are some words that often get used in discussing boast?
How is boast used in real life?
Boast is most often used in a somewhat negative way. It typically implies that a person is exaggerating or that they are too prideful.
"I have no idea. People who boast about their IQ are losers." – Stephen Hawking, when asked about his IQ.
RIP x
— Letters of Note (@LettersOfNote) March 14, 2018
I’m not impressed with anyone having lots of followers or likes. I’m impressed with people who treat everyone kind & who are humble and real and don’t boast or show off & have bad attitudes.
— Kandee Johnson (@kandeejohnson) November 11, 2017
I truly hope that the little girl who came up to me in the supermarket to boast that not only did she and her sister get chocolate milk but that they were going CAMPING tomorrow has the best time
— Mara “Get Rid of the Nazis” Wilson (@MaraWilson) July 26, 2019
Try using boast!
Which of the following words could be used to describe someone who is known for boasting
A. braggadocious
B. prideful
C. conceited
D. all of the above
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