What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
boastful
Example
He is always boasting about his expensive car. [boasting: present participle]
Example
She was being boastful when she talked about her promotion. [boastful: adjective]
vain
Example
She spends hours in front of the mirror because she is so vain. [vain: adjective]
Example
He is too vain to admit his mistakes. [vain: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vain is more commonly used than boastful in everyday language. Vain is versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, while boastful is less common and specifically refers to someone who frequently talks about their achievements or abilities in a proud and exaggerated way.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between boastful and vain?
While boastful is typically associated with a more informal tone, vain can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Vain is often used to describe someone's personality or character, making it suitable for various situations.
