boast

If your friend just ran a marathon, they might boast about their time—not necessarily out of arrogance, but from pride! To boast is to talk with proud excess about accomplishments, possessions, or abilities. It is more than simply sharing good news; it is often done to impress others. Interestingly, inanimate subjects can boast too! A luxury hotel might boast a rooftop pool, or a city might boast a beautiful skyline. In these cases, they are saying they have a feature they are proud to show off. But too much boasting can sound conceited. Think of a peacock displaying its feathers—that’s a visual boast.

To boast means to talk proudly, often excessively, about your achievements, possessions, or qualities. It usually carries a sense of seeking admiration and "puffing yourself up."

While the word often carries a negative connotation—implying conceit or an attempt to make others feel inferior—it can also be neutral. In travel and marketing, we often say a place boasts certain amenities. For example: "The resort boasts private beaches and world-class dining," meaning the place has something genuinely notable.

In everyday life, you might hear someone say, "He's always boasting about his new car," implying he talks about it too much. In stories, a character might boast to intimidate an opponent: "I've defeated warriors twice your size!" It's important to distinguish between healthy pride and boastfulness. Sharing a success is fine, but doing so with the intention of making others feel small is what defines a boaster. While a little self-confidence is admirable, remember that humility goes a long way in keeping your reputation intact!