Boastful: meaning, definitions and examples
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boastful
[ˈbəʊstfʊl ]
Definitions
in describing a person's behavior
Showing excessive pride and self-satisfaction in one's achievements, possessions, or abilities.
Synonyms
arrogant, bragging, conceited, egotistical.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| boastful |
Used to describe someone who talks with excessive pride about their achievements, possessions, or abilities.
|
| bragging |
Informal term for talking with too much pride about one's achievements or possessions, often seen as annoying or inappropriate.
|
| arrogant |
Used to describe someone who has an exaggerated sense of their own importance or abilities, often leading to disdain for others. This term carries more of a negative connotation.
|
| conceited |
Describes someone who has an overly high opinion of themselves and their abilities, often without cause. This term also has a negative connotation.
|
| egotistical |
Applied to someone who is excessively centered on themselves and their own importance, often disregarding others. This word has a negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- He couldn't help but be boastful about his promotion at work.
- She was always boastful about her expensive designer clothes.
- Don't be so boastful about your success, be humble instead.
in describing a speech or writing
Characterized by boasting or bragging.
Synonyms
pompous, self-aggrandizing, vainglorious.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| boastful |
This word is used to describe someone who talks with excessive pride about their achievements or abilities. It often has a slightly negative connotation, as it implies exaggerated self-praise.
|
| self-aggrandizing |
This term is used for someone who tries to increase their own power, importance, or reputation, often at the expense of others. It has a clearly negative connotation.
|
| pompous |
This word characterizes someone behaving in a high-minded or overly formal manner, trying to impress others with their importance. It usually carries a negative connotation.
|
| vainglorious |
This word describes someone with excessive pride in themselves and their achievements, often accompanied by an inflated sense of self-importance. It is notably negative in tone.
|
Examples of usage
- His boastful speech turned off many of the audience members.
- The article was filled with boastful claims about the company's success.
in describing a person
A person who brags or boasts excessively.
Synonyms
boaster, braggart, bragger, egotist.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| boastful |
This word is often used to describe someone who talks about their achievements or abilities with a lot of pride and can have a negative connotation.
|
| braggart |
This word is used to describe someone who brags a lot, often in an annoying or exaggerated way. It is typically used in a negative context.
|
| boaster |
A person who frequently talks about their own achievements in a way that seems proud or arrogant. It usually has a negative connotation.
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| bragger |
Similar to braggart, it's used for someone who frequently brags or boasts. It also carries a negative connotation.
|
| egotist |
This word describes a person who is excessively conceited or absorbed in themselves. It can be used in both mildly negative and strongly negative contexts.
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Examples of usage
- He was known around the office as a boastful who couldn't stop talking about himself.
- Don't be a boastful, nobody likes someone who constantly talks about their achievements.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'boast' comes from the Middle English word 'boosten', meaning 'to show off' or 'to brag'.
- Rooted in the Old Norse word 'bôsta', it reflects a long history of expressing pride.
- The addition of '-ful' indicates 'full of' or 'characterized by', hence 'full of boasting'.
Cultural Perspectives
- In many cultures, boastfulness is often frowned upon, as humility and modesty are valued traits.
- Conversely, in some cultures, especially in competitive environments like sports, being boastful can be seen as confidence or motivation.
- Social media has changed perceptions of boastfulness, where sharing achievements can mix celebration with criticism for being too self-promoting.
Psychology
- People who display boastful behavior might be compensating for low self-esteem or insecurity.
- Research suggests that boastfulness can create a barrier in relationships, as bragging may be perceived as narcissism.
- Conversely, those who acknowledge others' accomplishments along with their own may foster healthier social interactions.
Literature
- Boastful characters are common in classic literature, often serving to highlight human flaws and societal values, such as in 'Moby Dick'.
- In Shakespeare's plays, boastful characters often meet humorous or tragic ends, showing the folly of arrogance.
- Epic poetry frequently features boastful heroes who claim great feats; their words are often met with tests of their real abilities.
Personal Development
- Awareness of boastful tendencies can lead to personal growth, encouraging individuals to balance pride with humility.
- Practicing gratitude and acknowledging others can counteract boastfulness while promoting healthier self-esteem.
- Effective communication skills can help express accomplishments without crossing into boastful territory, promoting genuine connections.
Translations
Translations of the word "boastful" in other languages:
🇵🇹 presunçoso
🇮🇳 शेखी बघारनेवाला
🇩🇪 prahlerisch
🇮🇩 sombong
🇺🇦 хвалькуватий
🇵🇱 chełpliwy
🇯🇵 自慢げな
🇫🇷 vantard
🇪🇸 presumido
🇹🇷 övüngen
🇰🇷 자랑스러운
🇸🇦 متفاخر
🇨🇿 chvástavý
🇸🇰 chvastavý
🇨🇳 自夸的
🇸🇮 bahav
🇮🇸 groðugur
🇰🇿 мақтаншақ
🇬🇪 თავმოწონებული
🇦🇿 lovğalanan
🇲🇽 presumido