Boastful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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boastful
[หbษสstfสl ]
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.
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| bragging |
Informal term for talking with too much pride about one's achievements or possessions, often seen as annoying or inappropriate.
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| 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.
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| conceited |
Describes someone who has an overly high opinion of themselves and their abilities, often without cause. This term also has a negative connotation.
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| egotistical |
Applied to someone who is excessively centered on themselves and their own importance, often disregarding others. This word has a negative connotation.
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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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'boastful'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'boast' comes from the Middle English word 'boosten', meaning 'to show off' or 'to brag'.
- Rooted in the Old Norse word 'bรดsta', it reflects a long history of expressing pride.
- The addition of '-ful' indicates 'full of' or 'characterized by', hence 'full of boasting'.
The word 'boastful' originated from the Middle English word 'bosten', which means 'to brag'. Over time, the word evolved to 'boastful' in the 16th century. The concept of boasting or excessive pride has been present in human behavior for centuries, with references found in various ancient texts and literature.
See also: boast, boaster, boastfully, boastfulness, boasting.