Boast vs. Boost: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Mostly used as a verb.
Used both as a verb and noun.
Meaning
To brag or express pride.
To uplift or increase.
Connotation
Can be arrogant or proud.
Generally positive.
Usage
Speaking of one's achievements.
Improvement or enhancement.
Example
He boasts about his wealth.
Vitamins can boost immunity.
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Boast and Boost Definitions
Boast
To have or possess (a feature).
The car boasts a powerful engine.
Boost
To increase or improve.
The ad campaign boosted sales.
Boast
To display proudly.
She boasted her new diamond ring to her friends.
Boost
To raise or lift by pushing up from below.
Boast
To exalt oneself unduly.
He always boasts about being the best.
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.
Boast
To talk or write about oneself or something related to oneself in a proud or self-admiring way.
Boost
To assist in further development or progress
A bill intended to boost local charities.
Boast
To say (something about oneself) in a proud or self-admiring way.
Boost
To stir up enthusiasm for; promote vigorously
Boosted their school with rallies and fund drives.
Boast
To have or possess (a desirable feature)
A mall that boasts 80 shops.
Boost
(Slang) To steal or rob, especially by shoplifting or pickpocketing.
Boast
To shape or form (stone) roughly with a broad chisel.
Boost
(Slang) To engage in stealing, especially shoplifting or pickpocketing.
Boast
The act or an instance of boasting
Got tired of listening to his boasts.
Boost
A push upward or ahead.
Boast
A source of pride.
Boost
An encouraging act or comment.
Boast
A brag; ostentatious positive appraisal of oneself.
Boost
An increase
A big boost in salary.
Boast
Something that one brags about.
It was his regular boast that he could eat two full English breakfasts in one sitting.
Boost
A push from behind, as to one who is endeavoring to climb.
Boast
(squash) A shot where the ball is driven off a side wall and then strikes the front wall.
Boost
Something that helps, or adds power or effectiveness; assistance.
Boast
(intransitive) To brag; to talk loudly in praise of oneself.
Boost
(physics) A coordinate transformation that changes velocity.
Boast
(transitive) To speak of with pride, vanity, or exultation, with a view to self-commendation; to extol.
Boost
(automotive engineering) A positive intake manifold pressure in cars with turbochargers or superchargers.
Boast
(obsolete) To speak in exulting language of another; to glory; to exult.
Boost
(transitive) To lift or push from behind (one who is endeavoring to climb); to push up.
Boast
(squash) To play a boast shot.
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.
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.
Boost
To steal.
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.
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.
Boast
To speak in exulting language of another; to glory; to exult.
In God we boast all the day long.
Boost
To give a booster shot to.
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.
Boost
To amplify; to signal boost.
Boast
To display vaingloriously.
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.
Boast
To possess or have; as, to boast a name.
Boast not thyself of to-morrow.
Boost
A push from behind, as to one who is endeavoring to climb; help.
Boast
To dress, as a stone, with a broad chisel.
Boost
The act of giving hope or support to someone
Boast
To shape roughly as a preparation for the finer work to follow; to cut to the general form required.
Boost
An increase in cost;
They asked for a 10% rise in rates
Boast
Act of boasting; vaunting or bragging.
Reason and morals? and where live they most,In Christian comfort, or in Stoic boast!
Boost
The act of giving an upward push;
He gave her a boost over the fence
Boast
The cause of boasting; occasion of pride or exultation, - sometimes of laudable pride or exultation.
The boast of historians.
Boost
Increase;
The landlord hiked up the rents
Boast
Speaking of yourself in superlatives
Boost
Give a boost to; be beneficial to;
The tax cut will boost the economy
Boast
Show off
Boost
Contribute to the progress or growth of;
I am promoting the use of computers in the classroom
Boast
Wear or display in an ostentatious or proud manner;
She was sporting a new hat
Boost
Increase or raise;
Boost the voltage in an electrical circuit
Boast
To talk with excessive pride.
He loves to boast about his accomplishments.
Boost
Push or shove upward, as if from below or behind;
The singer had to be boosted onto the stage by a special contraption
Boast
A statement expressing pride.
His latest boast is about finishing the marathon.
Boost
To raise or lift by pushing from behind or below.
He boosted me over the fence.
Boost
To encourage or support.
She boosted his confidence before the big game.
Boost
A source of help or encouragement.
The award was a major boost for her.
Boost
To amplify or enhance.
The amplifier boosts the bass in the song.
FAQs
Can Boast be used as a noun?
Yes, "boast" can also mean a proud statement or claim.
Can Boost refer to physical actions?
Yes, like when someone gives you a boost over a wall.
Is boasting considered rude?
Excessive or unwarranted boasting can be perceived as arrogant or rude.
What might one boost in a vehicle?
One might boost the engine's power or the radio's volume.
How is Boast different from bragging?
They're similar, but "boasting" might be seen as slightly less arrogant than "bragging."
Can Boost be negative?
While typically positive, in contexts like "boosting a price," it might be seen negatively.
Is Boast only about oneself?
No, one can boast about anything they take pride in.
Can a place boast of something?
Yes, like when a city boasts a famous monument.
Can weather boost one's mood?
Yes, sunny weather often boosts people's spirits.
Do people boast only about successes?
Mostly, but one might also boast ironically about failures in a humorous context.
Can one boast about someone else?
Yes, a parent might boast about their child's achievements.
Does Boast always have a positive connotation?
No, excessive boasting can be perceived negatively.
Can technology boost productivity?
Yes, tech advancements often boost efficiency and productivity.
Can Boost also be a noun?
Yes, like when referring to an increase in energy or morale.
Can one boost their chances?
Absolutely, like boosting your chances of success with preparation.
Is every boast truthful?
Not necessarily; sometimes people boast about things exaggeratedly.
What can give a boost to health?
Nutritious food, exercise, and adequate sleep can boost health.
Can a boost be in the form of a compliment?
Yes, a compliment can boost someone's confidence.
Can a boost be temporary?
Yes, like a temporary boost in sales from a promotion.
Can one boast silently?
While boasting is verbal, someone can display pride through actions or demeanor.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
