boast in English
- boast⇄adv. boastingly.
- boast⇄boast (1), verb, noun.
- boast⇄boast (2), transitive verb.
(Sculpture.) to shape roughly before putting in the details. - boast⇄boast (3), verb, noun.
(Court Tennis, Rackets.) - boast⇄noun a boasted stroke or ball.
Ex. ... boasts which carom sharply from a sidewall, then drop dead off the other side (Time). - boast⇄noun 1. a statement speaking too highly of oneself or what one owns or knows; boasting words; bragging.
Ex. I don't believe his boast that he can run faster than I can.
2. something to be proud of.
Ex. The medal he won at the swimming - boast⇄v.i. 1. to speak too highly of oneself or what one owns or knows; brag.
Ex. It is unpleasant to hear one boast about his own abilities, achievements, or possessions.
2. to be proud. - boast⇄v.t. 1. to brag about.
(SYN) vaunt.
2. (Figurative.) to have (something) to be proud of.
Ex. Our town boasts a new high school. - boast⇄v.t., v.i. to hit (the ball) against either of the sidewalls.
Ex. This Binns did with his usual touch strokes, boasting with precision ... (London Times).
boast in Hindi हिन्दी
boast in Marathi मराठी
boast in Tamil தமிழ்
boast in Telugu తెలుగు
Boast
Part of Speech
Verb, Noun
Pronunciation
/boʊst/
Definitions
- Verb: To talk about something with excessive pride or self-satisfaction; to brag.
- Verb (Intransitive): To possess something that one takes pride in or is proud of.
- Noun: A statement in which someone talks about their achievements or possessions with pride, often in a way that others find irritating.
Usage Examples
- He always boasts about his achievements at work.
- She boasted of her success in front of her friends.
- His boast about owning a luxury car annoyed his colleagues.
Etymology
The word "boast" originates from the Middle English "boosten," derived from the Old Norse "busta" (to blow or brag). It has been used in English since the late 14th century to describe the act of showing off or talking proudly about one's achievements or possessions.
Synonyms
- Brag
- Vaunt
- Show off
- Gloat
- Exaggerate
Antonyms
- Modesty
- Humility
- Reticence
- Meekness
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Jactarse | /xakˈtaɾse/ |
| French | Se vanter | /sə vɑ̃te/ |
| German | Prahlen | /ˈpʁaːlən/ |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 吹嘘 | /chuī xū/ |
| Arabic | يفتخر | /yaf-ta-khir/ |
| Hindi | बड़ाई करना | /baṛāī karnā/ |
| Japanese | 自慢する | /jiman suru/ |
| Russian | Хвастаться | /xvástatsya/ |
| Portuguese | Gabar-se | /ɡabaɾ-si/ |
| Italian | Vantarsi | /vanˈtarsi/ |
| Turkish | Övünmek | /øˈvünmek/ |
| Swedish | Skryta | /ˈskrʏːta/ |
| Greek | Καυχιέμαι | /kafʝéːme/ |
| Polish | Chwalić się | /ˈxvalʲit͡ɕ ˈɕɛ/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
The pronunciation of "boast" is generally consistent in most English-speaking regions. However, in some dialects, particularly in fast or casual speech, the final "t" may be softened or barely pronounced, sounding more like "bohs." In some accents, the vowel sound may shift slightly, such as in the broad Australian accent, where it may sound more like "boist."
Historical Usage
In early English literature, "boasting" was often associated with warriors or knights, who would boast about their victories in battle. Over time, the term evolved to describe not only military or heroic achievements but also personal accomplishments. Boasting in earlier centuries was sometimes seen as a mark of honor, especially among the aristocracy or royalty. However, by the 17th century, the act of boasting began to be viewed more negatively, connoting arrogance or self-importance.
Cultural Nuances
The act of boasting has varying cultural connotations. In some cultures, boasting may be seen as a sign of pride or confidence, while in others, it may be perceived as rude or arrogant. For example, in cultures that value humility and modesty, boasting is often looked down upon, while in cultures that emphasize individual achievement and self-promotion, boasting may be more accepted. The line between healthy pride and arrogant boasting is often thin and context-dependent.
More Information
Boasting can be a natural part of human behavior, reflecting a person's desire to highlight their achievements or possessions. However, when done excessively or at the expense of others, it can be off-putting. In many societies, boasting is associated with negative traits like arrogance or conceit, especially when it is not backed by genuine accomplishment. In modern contexts, boasting is often discouraged in favor of more modest expressions of self-confidence. However, in certain competitive fields, such as sports or business, boasting can be seen as a sign of confidence and motivation.