Boastfulness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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boastfulness
[หbษสst.fสlnษs ]
Definitions
in conversation
Excessive pride or self-satisfaction, often exhibited through bragging or showing off.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| boastfulness |
Used to describe someone who often talks about their achievements or possessions in a way that shows too much pride. Boastfulness implies a sense of showing off.
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| bragging |
Common in casual speech, this is used when someone talks about themselves or their achievements in an excessively proud way. Bragging is a more informal term often seen in everyday conversations.
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| arrogance |
Used when someone has an attitude of superiority and disrespect for others. Arrogance often comes across as thinking too highly of oneself compared to others.
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| vanity |
Used to describe excessive pride in or admiration of one's own appearance or achievements. Vanity often carries a negative connotation and suggests superficiality.
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Examples of usage
- His boastfulness about his achievements made him unpopular among his colleagues.
- Her boastfulness often rubbed people the wrong way.
in behavior
The tendency to boast or talk about one's accomplishments, possessions, or abilities in a boastful manner.
Synonyms
bragging, ostentation, showing off.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| boastfulness |
This word is used to describe someone who often talks with excessive pride about their own achievements or qualities. It has a negative connotation.
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| bragging |
Use this term when someone is talking about their accomplishments or possessions in an annoying way. It also has a negative connotation.
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| showing off |
Use this phrase to describe someone who is deliberately trying to attract admiration or attention by displaying their skills or possessions. It's a colloquial expression and can have a negative connotation.
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| ostentation |
This word is appropriate when someone is showing off in a flashy or extravagant way to attract attention, often used in a critical sense.
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Examples of usage
- His boastfulness was a turn-off for many potential friends.
- The candidate's boastfulness during the interview did not impress the hiring manager.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Boastfulness can sometimes stem from low self-esteem, as individuals may feel the need to prove their worth to others.
- Overly boastful behavior can lead to social isolation, as others may find it annoying or off-putting.
- Research shows that while some bragging can boost confidence, excessive boastfulness may lead to negative perceptions from peers.
Language and Rhetoric
- The term 'boast' evolved from the Old French word 'hboaster,' which means to talk with pride about oneself.
- In rhetoric, boasting can be a double-edged sword, as it can build credibility but also alienate an audience if overdone.
- Historical orators, like Cicero, often warned against boasting, advocating for humility in speeches to connect with listeners.
Cultural Perspectives
- In many cultures, humility is valued over boastfulness, with teachings from various philosophies emphasizing the importance of modesty.
- Boasting appears differently in diverse cultures; for example, some societies may view it as a form of confidence, while others see it as arrogance.
- In sports, boasting can sometimes be accepted as a sign of competitiveness, but it can still frustrate fans and opponents alike.
Literature
- Characters known for boastfulness, such as Odysseus in Homer's epics, often face consequences for their pride.
- Works like 'The Great Gatsby' explore themes of boastfulness through characters who flaunt wealth, revealing deeper insecurities.
- Fables and fairy tales frequently convey moral lessons where boastful characters meet downfall, teaching modesty to readers.
Education
- In classrooms, teachers encourage students to share accomplishments without boasting to maintain a positive learning environment.
- Programs that focus on social-emotional learning often teach children the difference between healthy self-promotion and boastfulness.
- Research in educational psychology suggests that self-confidence can be nurtured without resorting to boastfulness, promoting cooperative behavior.
Origin of 'boastfulness'
The word 'boastfulness' originates from the verb 'boast,' which has been in use since the 13th century. 'Boast' comes from the Middle English word 'bosten,' which is of uncertain origin. The suffix '-fulness' is added to form the noun 'boastfulness,' indicating the quality or state of being boastful. The concept of boasting or excessive pride has been observed in various cultures throughout history.
See also: boast, boaster, boastful, boastfully, boasting.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #36,687, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.