Boastfully Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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boastfully

[ˈboʊst.fəl.i ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in a proud and self-aggrandizing way

Boastfully is an adverb that describes someone acting in a proud and self-aggrandizing manner. It is often used to indicate that someone is bragging or showing off about their achievements or possessions.

Synonyms

arrogantly, haughtily, proudly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
boastfully	Used when someone is talking about themselves or their achievements in a way that shows too much pride. He spoke boastfully about his latest business deal. She boastfully recounted how many awards she had won.
proudly	Used when someone feels deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of their own achievements or qualities, or those of someone they are closely associated with. It generally has a positive connotation. He proudly announced his promotion to his family. She proudly displayed the painting she had finished.
arrogantly	Used when someone behaves in a way that shows they think they are better than others, often irritatingly so. It typically has a negative connotation. He arrogantly dismissed her ideas without even considering them. She walked into the room and arrogantly announced that only she could solve the problem.
haughtily	Used when someone is acting disdainfully proud, often looking down on others. It has a negative connotation. She looked at him haughtily when he suggested a different plan. He haughtily declined the offer, believing it beneath him.

Examples of usage

She spoke boastfully about her recent promotion.
He boasted boastfully about his expensive car.
They strutted around boastfully, showing off their new designer clothes.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

in a manner that calls attention to one's own accomplishments

Boastfully can also describe someone drawing attention to their own accomplishments in a showy or bragging manner. It implies a sense of self-importance and a desire to be admired or envied.

Synonyms

braggingly, swaggeringly, vainly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
boastfully	Used when someone talks about their achievements or possessions in a proud and overly self-satisfied way. This often comes across as arrogant. He spoke boastfully about his new car, never once pausing to ask about anyone else's day
braggingly	Appropriate when someone is talking proudly and excessively about their achievements or possessions. It's often used in a negative sense. She braggingly shared her test scores, trying to make everyone else feel inferior
swaggeringly	Used to describe someone who displays self-confidence in an arrogant or conceited manner, often combined with a physically showy behavior. He walked swaggeringly into the room, demanding everyone's attention without saying a word
vainly	Refers to an action done with excessive pride and a lack of humility, often implying that the pride is unjustified or shallow. She smiled vainly in the mirror, utterly convinced of her unmatched beauty

Examples of usage

He waved his trophy boastfully, wanting everyone to see his victory.
She displayed her awards boastfully, hoping to impress her colleagues.
They talked boastfully about their successful business ventures.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

People often boast to boost their self-esteem and gain the approval of others.
Boasting can create social connections, but it may also lead to negative perceptions in others, like jealousy or resentment.
Studies suggest that too much boasting can lead to social isolation over time, as others might find it off-putting.

Literature

In Shakespeare's plays, characters often boast about their bravery, emphasizing their heroic traits.
Fables often contain moral lessons where boasting leads to downfall, teaching readers the importance of humility.
Modern literature frequently uses boastful characters to explore themes of pride and the consequences of overconfidence.

Pop Culture

Songs about boasting often highlight themes of success and confidence, appealing to audiences who celebrate achievement.
Characters in movies frequently boast about their skills, creating humor or tension depending on how realistic their claims are.
Social media platforms have given rise to 'humblebrags,' where people boast about their success while pretending to be modest.

Communication

Boasting is often seen as a way to assert dominance in social situations, particularly in competitive environments.
There are cultural differences in how boasting is perceived; some cultures celebrate it while others find it inappropriate.
Effective communicators often balance sharing achievements with listening to others to avoid coming off as boastful.

Origin of 'boastfully'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Old English 'boastian,' which means to brag or to boast.
It has been used in English since the late 13th century, showing how long people have been proud of their achievements.
Many related words like 'boaster' and 'boasting' also trace back to the same roots, emphasizing the idea of pride.

The word 'boastfully' originated from the Middle English word 'bosten' meaning 'to brag' or 'to boast'. It has evolved over time to represent the adverb form of 'boast', which itself comes from Old French and Latin roots. The concept of boasting or bragging has been a part of human communication for centuries, often used to assert dominance or superiority in social interactions.

See also: boast, boaster, boastful, boastfulness, boasting.