noun
boast
bohst
noun
1
A statement that shows off one's own achievements or qualities; a brag.
"His constant boasts about his salary got tiresome."
verb
1
To talk with excessive pride about oneself or one's achievements.
"She loves to boast about her kids' grades."
"He boasted that he'd never lost a game."
2
To have (something impressive) as a feature; to be proud to possess.
"The hotel boasts a rooftop pool with a view of the whole city."
How to Use Boast
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo brag, or, more neutrally, to proudly feature something impressive.
Common mistake
When used about a place or thing ("the hotel boasts a pool"), it just means "has," with no negative sense — only boasting about yourself sounds vain.
Common pairings
boast about
boast of
boasting rights
Word Forms
boasted past tense, boasted past tense, boasts plural, boasts singular, boasts singular
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His constant _____ about his salary got tiresome.
Etymology
From Middle English bosten, likely from a Germanic root meaning "inflated" or "puffed up" — the same idea behind being full of yourself.