Word
boasting
Phoneticsboast·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈboʊstɪŋ/
UK/bˈəʊstɪŋ/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the act of talking with too much pride about what you have done or what you own. People usually find this annoying because it sounds like you are trying to show off.
n. the act of speaking with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about one's achievements, possessions, or abilities.
Examples
“His constant boasting about his high salary annoyed his coworkers.”
“Despite her success, she avoided any boasting and preferred to let her results speak for themselves.”
“The politician's speech was filled with empty boasting regarding economic growth, yet it failed to address the rising cost of living for the average citizen.”
Examples
simple
“His constant boasting about his high salary annoyed his coworkers.”
contextual
“Despite her success, she avoided any boasting and preferred to let her results speak for themselves.”
complex
“The politician's speech was filled with empty boasting regarding economic growth, yet it failed to address the rising cost of living for the average citizen.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'about' or 'of'.
Pitfall
He is boasting his new car.
He is boasting about his new car.
While the verb 'boast' can be transitive, the noun form and the common verbal usage usually require 'about' to link to the subject of pride.
Real-World Examples
“Karlan Grant’s first goal for Charlton since rejoining on a free transfer from West Brom ensured that the south Londoners are the only side in the division still boasting a 100% record.” “We must use a search engine to find out who his agent is because Virginia keeps getting good moves despite the 26-year-old boasting 23 league appearances in his career.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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