to talk with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about one's achievements, possessions, or abilities, to have or possess (something) in a proud or ostentatious way

if you've got it, flaunt it, blow one's own trumpet, pat oneself on the back

boast about, boast of, boastful person

Formal and Informal Expressions of boast

In different contexts, you can replace 'boast' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'brag, vaunt' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'show off, flaunt' is a commonplace synonym.

boast: Explore its Definition & Usage

boast Definition

1to talk with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about one's achievements, possessions, or abilities
2to have or possess (something) in a proud or ostentatious way

Using boast: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "boast" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
He boasted about his new car to everyone he met.
Example
She boasted of her ability to speak five languages.
Example
The company boasts an impressive record of growth and success.
Example
The hotel boasts a beautiful view of the ocean.

boast Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for boast

brag
crow
swagger
vaunt
blow one's own horn

Antonyms for boast

Idioms Using boast

if you've got it, flaunt it
if you have something good, show it off
Example
She wore her new dress to the party because she believed in the saying 'if you've got it, flaunt it.'
blow one's own trumpet
to talk with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about one's achievements, possessions, or abilities
Example
He is always blowing his own trumpet and it's really annoying.
pat oneself on the back
to praise oneself for something one has done
Example
He was patting himself on the back for finishing the project ahead of schedule.

Phrases with boast

boast about
to talk with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about something
Example
He always boasts about his accomplishments.
boast of
to possess (something) in a proud or ostentatious way
Example
The museum boasts of an impressive collection of art.
boastful person
a person who talks with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about their achievements, possessions, or abilities
Example
He is such a boastful person that nobody likes to be around him.

Origins of boast

from Middle English 'bosten', meaning 'to brag'

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Summary: boast in Brief

The verb 'boast' [bohst] means to talk with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about one's achievements, possessions, or abilities. It can also mean to have or possess something in a proud or ostentatious way. Examples include 'He boasted about his new car to everyone he met' and 'The hotel boasts a beautiful view of the ocean.' Phrases like 'boast about' and 'boast of' extend its usage, while idioms like 'if you've got it, flaunt it' and 'blow one's own trumpet' emphasize the negative connotations of excessive pride.