Boast vs. Boost: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 11, 2023
Boast means to brag or express pride, while Boost means to uplift or increase.
Key Differences
Boast typically pertains to speaking of oneself or something with excessive pride or self-satisfaction. For example, someone might boast about their achievements or the superiority of a product they sell. On the other hand, Boost refers to an increase or enhancement, often used in the context of improving performance or raising something to a higher level.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Boast, as a verb, can sometimes be perceived as arrogant or self-centered, especially if the claim is exaggerated. It’s a word often associated with pride, sometimes justifiably so and at other times without merit. Boost, conversely, can be either a noun or a verb, suggesting a push or lift upwards, whether physically, metaphorically, or numerically.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
While Boast focuses on the presentation or declaration of superiority, Boost has more to do with assistance, support, or enhancement. For instance, while one can boast about their skills, they might need a boost in confidence to perform at their best.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Someone might boast about how well they did in an exam, suggesting they outperformed others. In contrast, they might need a boost in their energy levels to study late at night, indicating they required some form of enhancement or support.
Janet White
Oct 11, 2023
Although both Boast and Boost can be used in positive contexts, the former can sometimes be taken negatively due to its association with pride or arrogance. Boost, however, is generally seen in a positive light, associated with improvement and growth.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
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Boast and Boost Definitions
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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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Boast
To talk or write about oneself or something related to oneself in a proud or self-admiring way.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Boost
To assist in further development or progress
A bill intended to boost local charities.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Boost
To stir up enthusiasm for; promote vigorously
Boosted their school with rallies and fund drives.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Boost
(Slang) To engage in stealing, especially shoplifting or pickpocketing.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Boast
The act or an instance of boasting
Got tired of listening to his boasts.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Boast
Something that one brags about.
It was his regular boast that he could eat two full English breakfasts in one sitting.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Boast
(squash) A shot where the ball is driven off a side wall and then strikes the front wall.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Boast
(transitive) To speak of with pride, vanity, or exultation, with a view to self-commendation; to extol.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Boost
(automotive engineering) A positive intake manifold pressure in cars with turbochargers or superchargers.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Boast
(obsolete) To speak in exulting language of another; to glory; to exult.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Boost
(transitive) To lift or push from behind (one who is endeavoring to climb); to push up.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Boast
To speak in exulting language of another; to glory; to exult.
In God we boast all the day long.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Boast
To possess or have; as, to boast a name.
Boast not thyself of to-morrow.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Boast
To shape roughly as a preparation for the finer work to follow; to cut to the general form required.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Boast
Act of boasting; vaunting or bragging.
Reason and morals? and where live they most,In Christian comfort, or in Stoic boast!
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Boast
The cause of boasting; occasion of pride or exultation, - sometimes of laudable pride or exultation.
The boast of historians.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Boost
Contribute to the progress or growth of;
I am promoting the use of computers in the classroom
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Boast
Wear or display in an ostentatious or proud manner;
She was sporting a new hat
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Boast
To talk with excessive pride.
He loves to boast about his accomplishments.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 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
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Boast
A statement expressing pride.
His latest boast is about finishing the marathon.
Sara Rehman
Oct 11, 2023
Boost
To raise or lift by pushing from behind or below.
He boosted me over the fence.
Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023
Boost
To encourage or support.
She boosted his confidence before the big game.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
FAQs
Can Boast be used as a noun?
Yes, "boast" can also mean a proud statement or claim.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Can Boost refer to physical actions?
Yes, like when someone gives you a boost over a wall.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Is boasting considered rude?
Excessive or unwarranted boasting can be perceived as arrogant or rude.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
What might one boost in a vehicle?
One might boost the engine's power or the radio's volume.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
How is Boast different from bragging?
They're similar, but "boasting" might be seen as slightly less arrogant than "bragging."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Can Boost be negative?
While typically positive, in contexts like "boosting a price," it might be seen negatively.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Is Boast only about oneself?
No, one can boast about anything they take pride in.
Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023
Can a place boast of something?
Yes, like when a city boasts a famous monument.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Can weather boost one's mood?
Yes, sunny weather often boosts people's spirits.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Do people boast only about successes?
Mostly, but one might also boast ironically about failures in a humorous context.
Janet White
Oct 11, 2023
Can one boast about someone else?
Yes, a parent might boast about their child's achievements.
Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023
Does Boast always have a positive connotation?
No, excessive boasting can be perceived negatively.
Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023
Can technology boost productivity?
Yes, tech advancements often boost efficiency and productivity.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Can Boost also be a noun?
Yes, like when referring to an increase in energy or morale.
Janet White
Oct 11, 2023
Can one boost their chances?
Absolutely, like boosting your chances of success with preparation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Is every boast truthful?
Not necessarily; sometimes people boast about things exaggeratedly.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
What can give a boost to health?
Nutritious food, exercise, and adequate sleep can boost health.
Janet White
Oct 11, 2023
Can a boost be in the form of a compliment?
Yes, a compliment can boost someone's confidence.
Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023
Can a boost be temporary?
Yes, like a temporary boost in sales from a promotion.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Can one boast silently?
While boasting is verbal, someone can display pride through actions or demeanor.
Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
