What does boast mean?
Boast is an English word used both as a verb and a noun, centring on the expression of pride. When a person boasts, they speak with excessive self-satisfaction about their achievements, possessions, or abilities, often in a way others find tiresome or vain. In this sense it carries a distinctly negative connotation, sitting alongside synonyms such as brag and crow. Yet the verb has a second, entirely respectable use: a place, organization, or thing can be said to boast a particular feature simply because it possesses one worth mentioning, as in 'the museum boasts an impressive collection of Impressionist art'. Here the connotation is neutral or even positive. As a noun, a boast is the proud statement itself. The word traces its origins to Middle English and remains common in everyday speech on both sides of the Atlantic. Writers should note the near-homophone boost, which means to raise or improve rather than to show off.
To talk with excessive pride about oneself or one's achievements; also, to possess a notable feature.
"He boasted that he had never lost a chess match."
Negative when describing people; neutral or positive when describing places or things.
A statement made with excessive pride about oneself or one's achievements.
"His claim that he could outrun anyone was dismissed as an idle boast."
The plural applies only to the noun sense, referring to multiple instances of proud statements.
"Her conversation was full of boasts about her travels."
"Boast" and "boost" differ by just one letter — swap the 'a' for an 'o' and bragging becomes improving, a typo that has embarrassed more than one email writer.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of boast
Boast originated in Middle English, appearing around the thirteenth century in the sense of loud, arrogant talk. Its ultimate origin is uncertain, though it may derive from Old Norse or Old French sources related to noisy boasting. Over time it developed from describing empty talk into the modern verb meaning to brag, and later acquired its positive sense of possessing a desirable feature. It should not be confused with boost, which is unrelated despite the similar form.
Related word forms
How boast is actually used
As a verb, 'boast' is often negative when applied to people (implying vanity), yet neutral-to-positive when describing what a place or product possesses ('boasts excellent facilities'). It takes the prepositions 'about' or 'of' depending on register, with 'about' more common in everyday speech. The noun form is less frequent than the verb.
Easily confused with boast
Boost means to increase or improve something, whereas boast means to brag; they differ by one letter but are unrelated in meaning.
Roast refers to cooking food or mocking someone humorously, while boast means to speak with pride about one's achievements.