What does vaunt mean?
Vaunt is a formal, chiefly literary verb meaning to boast, especially with conspicuous pride in one's worth, abilities, possessions, or achievements. It can take the thing being boasted as its object, as in “vaunt his family background,” or stand alone when the boast itself is the focus. The word often carries an openly critical implication: a person who vaunts not only claims credit but insists on being noticed. By contrast, boast can be relatively neutral or positive, while vaunt tends to emphasize display and self-importance. “Vaunt” is now somewhat old-fashioned in ordinary use but remains clear in formal writing, historical texts, and contexts that deliberately evoke an elevated style. The related noun “vaunt,” meaning a boast or boastful claim, is rare and literary. A careful speaker may prefer “boast” when brevity is preferable or “brag” when the intention is specifically to boast. Understanding vaunt's elevated tone helps explain why it appears in descriptions of aristocratic rivalry, nationalist rhetoric, and public self-promotion, where “claim,” “assert,” or “boast” may sound less pointed.
To boast about oneself or make a showy claim regarding one's merits, possessions, connections, or achievements.
"He vaunted his family's long history of public service."
Chiefly literary or archaic. It may be transitive or intransitive and often implies ostentatious self-praise.
An act or instance of boasting, especially an ostentatious boast or claim.
"His repeated vaunt that no one could match him exhausted the company's patience."
Rare and literary; usually encountered in formal, historical, or deliberately elevated writing.
The plural is possible but rarely needed because the noun itself is uncommon.
"Each vaunt of superiority was answered with a challenge."
Vaunt makes showing off sound aristocratic—but it still means, plainly, “boast.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does vaunt come from?
Vaunt entered English in the early 17th century through Old French vanter, meaning “to boast,” from Latin vanitare, a verb formed from vanus, meaning “vain” or “empty.” That Latin adjective also underlies English vain and vanity and the less common vanitous. The word's modern literary tone reflects a history in which it was used for especially conspicuous or elevated self-praise.
Related word forms
How vaunt is actually used
Literary, archaic, or deliberately elevated in style. Vaunt emphasizes conspicuous self-praise and can suggest that the speaker is seeking attention or social advantage.
Easily confused with vaunt
Vaunt means to boast, whereas a vault is an arched structure, a room for storing valuables, or a movement made by vaulting.