Boast

Boast is a word that can function as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to speak with excessive pride about oneself, one's abilities, or one's achievements, often to seek admiration or to dominate the conversation. It can also mean to claim something with vainglorious self-importance. As a noun, a boast is a statement or claim expressing self-pride, or the act of boasting.

Origin and history: The term derives from Old English and is cognate with related forms in other Germanic languages. Over time it acquired a general sense of proud self-display. The noun form “a boast” appears in Middle English, reflecting the longstanding association with self-praise.

Usage and tone: Boasting is typically viewed negatively in most contexts, implying vanity or a lack of humility. In some contexts, however, such as marketing or tourism, the phrase “the city boasts” is used neutrally or positively to highlight notable features. In grammar, “boast” takes an object with “about” or “of,” e.g., “boast about his achievements” or “boast of the team’s success.” It can also appear as “boast that” in more formal constructions. The nuance between boasting and bragging is subtle, but both convey self-praise.

Related terms and variation: Common synonyms include brag, vaunt, and crow, while related phrases capture self-promotion or hubris. Antonyms emphasize restraint and humility.

See also: self-promotion; arrogance; understatement.