brag
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /brˈæɡ/
US
- /ˈbræɡ/
Description
- boast
- show off
- praise oneself
- exaggerate achievements
If your little brother keeps telling everyone how he scored the winning goal, even if it was a lucky shot, he is probably bragging. To boast is to talk too proudly about yourself or your possessions, often in a way that feels annoying. It is trying to impress people by exaggerating your accomplishments. While some confidence is good, constant boasting can quickly rub people the wrong way. You might tell people about a new car, a high test score, or even how many cookies you ate.
To brag means to talk excessively and boastfully about one's achievements, possessions, or qualities. It is more than just sharing good news; it often involves a tone of self-importance and a desire to impress others, sometimes at their expense. For example, saying, "He was bragging about his new promotion all night" suggests he kept bringing up the topic in a way that felt self-centered.
Bragging isn't always intentional. Sometimes people brag because they are insecure and seeking validation. Other times, it can be a habit born from genuine excitement or pride. However, excessive bragging is generally considered arrogant and annoying.
The word often carries a negative connotation, implying that the speaker is trying to elevate themselves by diminishing those around them. You might say, "I don't like people who brag," or "She's always bragging about her children."
So, whether it's about accomplishments, possessions, or experiences, to brag is to present yourself as superior. The result is often listeners feeling less than impressed.
Examples
- 1
Personal possessions
He kept bragging about his new car during lunch.
- 2
Ability claim
She bragged that she could finish the project in one weekend.
- 3
Modesty
Jake never brags about his grades, even though he is usually top of the class.
- 4
Competition
The team won the final on Saturday and earned bragging rights for the rest of the year.
Phrase
bragging rights
the right to feel proud and talk about winning
- 5
Self-praise
I'm not bragging, but my soup is better than the one at the restaurant.
Phrase
I'm not bragging, but ...
a common way to introduce praise for yourself
- 6
Annoying behavior
After a while, all that bragging started to annoy everyone.
Phrase
all that bragging
all that proud talk about yourself
- 7
Mild criticism
It's nothing to brag about, but at least we finished on time.
Phrase
nothing to brag about
not very impressive
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- bragnounverbadjective
Forms
- bragging-ing formverbnounadjective
- braggedpast tenseverbnounadjective
- bragsverbnounadjective