boost
B2Neutral (used in both formal and informal contexts)
Definition
Meaning
To increase, improve, or strengthen something, especially its amount, level, or success.
To push or lift something from below; to provide positive support, publicity, or encouragement; to amplify or augment, often in a technical context (e.g., signal).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a transitive verb. As a noun, it means an increase or improvement. Implies a positive, empowering action, often giving something a helpful push rather than a fundamental change. Associated with energy, morale, confidence, and performance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Both use 'boost' in business, media, and everyday contexts. Minor spelling differences may arise in related compounds (e.g., 'booster seat' is universal).
Connotations
Equally positive in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American business and marketing jargon (e.g., 'boost sales'), but widely common in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
boost + NP (direct object)boost + NP + by + amount/percentageboost + NP + to + levelgive/provide a boost to + NPVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a shot in the arm (similar meaning)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to increasing metrics like sales, profits, or market share. 'The new campaign should boost our Q4 revenue.'
Academic
Used in social sciences (e.g., 'boost learning outcomes') and STEM (e.g., 'boost the signal').
Everyday
Commonly used for energy, mood, or confidence. 'A coffee will boost my energy.'
Technical
In engineering/IT: to amplify a signal or voltage; in medicine: to strengthen immunity.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The government scheme aims to boost regional employment.
- A good breakfast can really boost your concentration.
- We need to boost the signal for the Wi-Fi to reach the garden.
American English
- The tax cut is intended to boost consumer spending.
- Her pep talk boosted the team's morale before the big game.
- They installed a device to boost the cell phone reception.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form.
American English
- No standard adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- Not commonly used as a standalone adjective. See 'booster' (booster seat, booster shot).
American English
- Not commonly used as a standalone adjective. See 'booster' (booster shot, booster club).
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The vitamins will boost your health.
- The teacher gave him a boost so he could reach the window.
- The sunny weather boosted everyone's mood.
- The company wants to boost its online sales.
- The new software is designed to boost productivity by automating routine tasks.
- A successful product launch could significantly boost the firm's market share.
- The central bank intervened to boost the flagging currency.
- Strategic philanthropy can boost a corporation's public image while effecting social change.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BOOSt as a helpful BOOT that kicks something upwards to a higher level.
Conceptual Metaphor
UP IS MORE / BETTER. Boosting is a vertical lift, moving something up (sales, morale) on a scale.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'burst' (взрыв) или 'boast' (хвастовство).
- Перевод 'повысить' широкий; 'boost' чаще о положительном, ощутимом толчке, а не о постепенном процессе.
- В бизнес-контексте 'boost sales' = 'поднять/увеличить продажи', а не 'продвигать' (promote).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'boost' for negative increases ('boost pollution' is odd; 'increase pollution' is neutral).
- Using it intransitively (*'Sales boosted last month.' -> 'Sales got a boost / increased last month.').
- Confusing verb and noun forms ('give a boost' vs. 'boost').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is LEAST likely to be 'boosted' in standard English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it carries a positive connotation of helpful improvement. For neutral or negative increases, use 'increase' or 'raise'.
Yes. As a noun, it means 'an increase or improvement' (e.g., 'a boost in sales', 'a morale boost').
'Boost' focuses on increasing the level, amount, or strength of something that exists. 'Promote' focuses on actively supporting, advertising, or advancing something (e.g., a person, idea, or product) to make it more popular or known.
No, it's neutral. It is perfectly acceptable in formal business, academic, and technical writing, as well as in everyday speech.
Explore