What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gloat
Example
He couldn't help but gloat over his rival's failure. [gloat: verb]
Example
She felt a sense of gloat as she watched her ex-boyfriend struggle. [gloat: noun]
boast
Example
He likes to boast about his new car to anyone who will listen. [boast: verb]
Example
Her constant boasts about her intelligence annoyed her classmates. [boasts: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Boast is more commonly used than gloat in everyday language. Boast is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while gloat is less common and has a more specific meaning.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between gloat and boast?
Both gloat and boast are informal words, but boast can be used in more formal contexts than gloat due to its versatility and ability to convey confidence and self-assurance.