boaster: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, slightly literary
Quick answer
What does “boaster” mean?
A person who talks with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about their achievements, possessions, or abilities.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who talks with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about their achievements, possessions, or abilities.
Someone who habitually exaggerates or makes unfounded claims to appear more impressive, often to gain admiration or status.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The verb 'to boast' is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Consistently negative in both varieties, implying annoyance or disdain.
Frequency
Slightly more common in British English as a direct label; American English might favor periphrastic constructions like 'He's always boasting.'
Grammar
How to Use “boaster” in a Sentence
[be + a/an] + boaster[known as/for being] a boaster[verb] like a boaster[adjective] + boasterVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “boaster” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He constantly boasts about his holiday home in Spain.
- She boasted of having met the Prime Minister.
American English
- He's always boasting about his new truck.
- The company boasts a 20% market share.
adverb
British English
- He spoke boastfully of his connections.
American English
- She said, rather boastfully, that she never studies for tests.
adjective
British English
- He was in a boastful mood after the promotion.
American English
- She made a boastful comment about her salary.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used to describe someone who overstates their sales figures or career achievements.
Academic
Rare in formal writing; more likely in literary analysis or social psychology discussing personality traits.
Everyday
The most common context. Used to criticize someone who is constantly talking about themselves.
Technical
Not used in technical registers.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “boaster”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “boaster”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “boaster”
- Using 'boaster' as a verb (the verb is 'to boast'). Incorrect: *'He boasters about his car.' Correct: 'He is a boaster' or 'He boasts about his car.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It's not a high-frequency everyday word. The verb 'boast' is more common. 'Boaster' is used when you need a noun to label a person's characteristic behavior.
A boaster exaggerates or overly emphasizes their own qualities or achievements, often for admiration. A liar deliberately states falsehoods. Boasting can involve exaggeration (a form of untruth) but its primary focus is self-promotion.
Almost never. It is a term of criticism. If you want a neutral or positive term for someone who speaks proudly, you might say 'proud parent' or 'enthusiastic advocate.'
No, 'boaster' is gender-neutral. Historically, terms like 'braggart' were used for all genders.
A person who talks with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about their achievements, possessions, or abilities.
Boaster is usually informal, slightly literary in register.
Boaster: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbəʊstə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈboʊstər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “All mouth and no trousers (UK, informal, similar connotation)”
- “Empty vessels make the most noise (proverb, similar concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a ROASTER cooking a BOASTER – because people often get 'roasted' or mocked for being boastful.
Conceptual Metaphor
BOASTING IS INFLATING (oneself like a balloon); A BOASTER IS AN EMPTY CONTAINER MAKING NOISE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary connotation of the word 'boaster'?