braggart: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2formal, literary
Quick answer
What does “braggart” mean?
A person who boasts loudly or excessively about their achievements or possessions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who boasts loudly or excessively about their achievements or possessions.
One who habitually talks with excessive pride about oneself; a show-off or loud-mouthed boaster. Can also refer to the quality or behavior of such boasting.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the word similarly.
Connotations
Equally pejorative in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly more common in written, especially literary or historical, contexts than in everyday speech in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “braggart” in a Sentence
He is a braggart.She played the braggart.They called him a braggart.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “braggart” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (No standard verb form; use 'brag' or 'boast')
American English
- (No standard verb form; use 'brag' or 'boast')
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverb form)
American English
- (No standard adverb form)
adjective
British English
- His braggart claims were quickly disproven.
- She dismissed his braggart manner.
American English
- The senator's braggart speech didn't impress voters.
- He has a braggart personality that puts people off.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically to describe a competitor making unfounded claims.
Academic
Found in literary criticism, historical texts, and psychology discussing narcissism or social behavior.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual talk; 'show-off' or 'bighead' is more frequent.
Technical
Not a technical term.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “braggart”
- Misspelling as 'braggerd' or 'braggart' (with two 'g's).
- Using it as a verb (incorrect: 'He braggarts about his car.' Correct: 'He is a braggart.').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a derogatory term for someone who boasts in an annoying or unjustified way.
'Braggart' is stronger and more negative, often implying habitual and loud boasting. 'Boaster' is more neutral, simply describing the act.
No. The related verb is 'to brag' or 'to boast'. 'Braggart' is exclusively a noun (or attributive adjective).
It's not extremely common in everyday spoken language, where words like 'show-off' are more frequent. It is more likely found in writing, literature, or formal criticism.
A person who boasts loudly or excessively about their achievements or possessions.
Braggart is usually formal, literary in register.
Braggart: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbræɡ.ət/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbræɡ.ɚt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Empty vessels make the most sound. (related concept)”
- “All talk and no action. (related concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BRAGging ARTist who performs their boasts dramatically.
Conceptual Metaphor
BOASTING IS NOISE / BOASTING IS A PERFORMANCE
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'braggart' correctly?