What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
showboating
Example
The basketball player was showboating after scoring a point. [showboating: verb]
Example
She was accused of showboating during the presentation, trying to draw attention to herself instead of focusing on the topic. [showboating: gerund or present participle]
posturing
Example
The politician was posturing for the cameras, trying to appear strong and decisive. [posturing: verb]
Example
He was accused of posturing during the meeting, trying to make himself look more knowledgeable than he really was. [posturing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Posturing is more commonly used than showboating in everyday language. Posturing is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while showboating is less common and refers to a specific type of behavior often seen in sports or entertainment.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between showboating and posturing?
Both showboating and posturing are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts.
