"Boast" vs. "brag": subtle shifts in showing off

Reviewed and edited by

Lloyd Cooper Yesterday, 13:03

English.me team member

What is similar?

Both "boast" and "brag" mean to talk with excessive pride about oneself, one's achievements, or possessions. They often have a negative connotation of showing off.

What is different?

"Boast" can sometimes have a neutral or even positive meaning, especially when it indicates stating facts with pride or confidence, while "brag" is almost always negative.

Which one is more common?

Examples of usage

Boast

She likes to boast about her excellent cooking skills.
The city boasts many beautiful parks.

Brag

He is always bragging about how much money he makes.
Don't brag about your success in front of others.