Boast vs. Boost: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 25, 2023
"Boast" means to talk with excessive pride about oneself or something one possesses, while "boost" means to lift or increase something.
Difference Between Boast and Boost
"Boast" and "boost" are two English words that, while sounding similar, have entirely distinct meanings and uses. "Boast" typically refers to expressing excessive pride or bragging about oneself, one's achievements, or possessions. For example, an individual might boast about their accomplishments in a particular field, their assets, or a unique skill they possess. While boasting might sometimes be seen as a way to share one's achievements, it often carries a connotation of arrogance or overconfidence.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
On the other hand, "boost" is a verb that implies elevating, lifting, or enhancing something. It can refer to both physical and abstract forms of elevation. For instance, one can boost an object onto a higher shelf or boost someone's confidence with a compliment. The word "boost" tends to have a positive connotation, suggesting improvement or support. It can also indicate an increase, as in boosting sales or boosting energy levels.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
It's crucial not to confuse "boast" and "boost" based on their phonetic similarity. While both words can describe positive actions or states, "boast" often focuses on the speaker and their accomplishments, and it can sometimes be seen as self-centered or lacking in humility. "Boost," meanwhile, focuses on the act of raising or improving something or someone.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Moreover, the contexts in which these words are used differ widely. "Boast" often finds its place in casual conversations, stories, or narratives where someone is highlighting personal achievements. "Boost," however, is versatile and can be used in various scenarios, ranging from business talks about enhancing sales to casual discussions about lifting someone's spirits.
Levi
Sep 25, 2023
In summary, while "boast" and "boost" might sound somewhat alike, their meanings, connotations, and uses are markedly different. Recognizing their distinct definitions and applications will ensure clear and effective communication.
Nolan
Sep 25, 2023
Boast vs. Boost Comparison Chart
Definition
To talk with excessive pride about oneself
To lift or increase something
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Connotation
Often seen as arrogant or overconfident
Positive, indicating improvement or support
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Example Use
"He often boasts about his wealth."
"The news boosted the stock market."
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Context of Usage
Highlighting personal achievements
Referring to raising or improving something
Olivia
Sep 25, 2023
Boast vs. Boost Definitions
◉Boast
To talk proudly about one's achievements.
She always boasts about her culinary skills.
William
Sep 25, 2023
◉Boast
To possess something worthy of pride.
The museum boasts an impressive art collection.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
◉Boost
To improve or enhance the strength or value of something.
Vitamins can boost your immune system.
Kaitlyn
Sep 25, 2023
◉Boast
To brag about one's own abilities.
She's known to boast about her academic accolades.
Elijah
Sep 25, 2023
◉Boast
To talk or write about oneself or something related to oneself in a proud or self-admiring way.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Boast
To have or possess (a desirable feature)
a mall that boasts 80 shops.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Boost
To increase; raise
boost prices.
efforts to boost participation in the program.
moved my wireless router away from obstructions in order to boost its signal.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Boost
To assist in further development or progress
a bill intended to boost local charities.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Boast
The act or an instance of boasting
got tired of listening to his boasts.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Boost
To stir up enthusiasm for; promote vigorously
boosted their school with rallies and fund drives.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Boost
(Slang) To steal or rob, especially by shoplifting or pickpocketing.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Boost
(Slang) To engage in stealing, especially shoplifting or pickpocketing.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Boast
Something that one brags about.
It was his regular boast that he could eat two full English breakfasts in one sitting.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Boast
(squash) A shot where the ball is driven off a side wall and then strikes the front wall.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Boast
(transitive) To speak of with pride, vanity, or exultation, with a view to self-commendation; to extol.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Boast
(obsolete) To speak in exulting language of another; to glory; to exult.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Boast
(ergative) To possess something special (e.g. as a feature).
The hotel boasts one of the best views of the sea.
His family boasted a famous name.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Boost
(automotive engineering) A positive intake manifold pressure in cars with turbochargers or superchargers.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Boast
To vaunt one's self; to brag; to say or tell things which are intended to give others a high opinion of one's self or of things belonging to one's self; as, to boast of one's exploits courage, descent, wealth.
By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: . . not of works, lest any man should boast.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Boost
(transitive) To lift or push from behind (one who is endeavoring to climb); to push up.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Boast
To speak in exulting language of another; to glory; to exult.
In God we boast all the day long.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Boost
To help or encourage (something) to increase or improve; to assist in overcoming obstacles.
This campaign will boost your chances of winning the election.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Boast
To display in ostentatious language; to speak of with pride, vanity, or exultation, with a view to self-commendation; to extol.
Lest bad men should boastTheir specious deeds.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Boost
To jump-start a vehicle by using cables to connect the battery in a running vehicle to the battery in a vehicle that won't start.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Boast
To possess or have; as, to boast a name.
Boast not thyself of to-morrow.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Boast
To shape roughly as a preparation for the finer work to follow; to cut to the general form required.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Boost
To lift or push from behind (one who is endeavoring to climb); to push up; hence, to assist in overcoming obstacles, or in making advancement.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Boast
Act of boasting; vaunting or bragging.
Reason and morals? and where live they most,In Christian comfort, or in Stoic boast!
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Boast
The cause of boasting; occasion of pride or exultation, - sometimes of laudable pride or exultation.
The boast of historians.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Boast
wear or display in an ostentatious or proud manner;
she was sporting a new hat
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Boast
To express self-satisfaction about something.
He couldn't help but boast about his new promotion.
Nolan
Sep 25, 2023
◉Boost
give a boost to; be beneficial to;
The tax cut will boost the economy
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Boast
To exhibit or display prominently.
The hotel boasts panoramic ocean views.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
◉Boost
contribute to the progress or growth of;
I am promoting the use of computers in the classroom
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Boost
push or shove upward, as if from below or behind;
The singer had to be boosted onto the stage by a special contraption
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
Boast vs. Boost Frequently Asked Questions
Are boast and boost interchangeable?
No, "boast" is about speaking proudly, while "boost" means to lift or increase.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Does boast always have a negative connotation?
Not always, but it often suggests excessive pride or arrogance.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Can both boast and boost be used as verbs?
Yes, both can be used as verbs but with different meanings.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
Which word is more common in business settings?
"Boost" is more commonly used, especially in terms of growth or improvement.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
If someone is talking about their achievements, which word do they use?
They "boast" about their achievements.
Henry
Sep 25, 2023
Can a product boast features?
Yes, when a product "boasts" features, it means it proudly possesses those features.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Is boost only about physical lifting?
No, "boost" can refer to both physical lifting and abstract increases or improvements.
William
Sep 25, 2023
How do I remember the difference between the two?
Remember "boast" is about bragging, and "boost" is about lifting or increasing.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
In which contexts might I hear the word boost more often?
You might hear "boost" in various contexts, including business, health, and everyday situations where improvement or elevation occurs.
Lucas
Sep 25, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
