GREAT GIFT IDEA!

The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Adjectives

✔ Add 2,000 must-know adjectives to your vocabulary.

✔ All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 99 categorized lessons, 232 practical activities.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, CPE, BEC, PTE, FCE

Buy on Amazon

4.9

Transform Your Vocabulary Today!

brag

verb

/bræg/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of brag

To excessively boast or express excessive pride about one's accomplishments, possessions, abilities, or qualities.
"He always brags about his expensive car and luxurious vacations."

Detailed meaning of brag

It involves openly and arrogantly promoting oneself, often with the intention of impressing others or gaining admiration. When someone brags, they tend to highlight their achievements or attributes in a self-centered manner, sometimes exaggerating or embellishing the truth. Bragging can occur in various social contexts, such as conversations, social media posts, or presentations, where individuals seek to showcase their superiority or elevate their status. However, bragging is generally viewed negatively as it can be perceived as arrogant, self-centered, or obnoxious. It often reflects a desire for validation or attention, rather than a genuine appreciation for one's accomplishments.

Example sentences containing brag

1. He loves to brag about his accomplishments.
2. She has a tendency to brag about her achievements.
3. The athlete couldn't help but brag about their victory.
4. He can't resist bragging about his new car.
5. She likes to brag about her skills in chess.
6. The salesman couldn't stop bragging about his sales numbers.

History and etymology of brag

The verb 'brag' has its origins in the early 14th century, and its etymology can be traced back to the Middle English word 'braggen.' This Middle English term is believed to have been borrowed from the Old Norse word 'bragð,' which means 'the best' or 'the most splendid.' Interestingly, this Old Norse root carries the connotation of excellence or superiority, which is closely tied to the modern usage of 'brag' to describe boasting about one's accomplishments or qualities. Over time, the word evolved to encompass not only expressing pride in one's achievements but also doing so in a manner that is often considered excessive or boastful. Thus, the etymology of 'brag' reflects the historical association of the word with the idea of showcasing one's superiority or excellence, which eventually led to its contemporary meaning of excessive boasting.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the verb brag:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of brag

1. He always finds a way to subtly brag about his intelligence.
2. She discreetly dropped hints to brag about her latest promotion.
3. The entrepreneur couldn't resist bragging about the success of their startup.
4. He subtly hinted at his accomplishments, seeking opportunities to brag.
5. She found subtle ways to brag about her latest travel adventures.
6. The student would occasionally drop hints to brag about their academic achievements.
7. He slipped in anecdotes to brag about his exciting life experiences.
8. She skillfully inserted tidbits to brag about her impressive network.
9. The politician strategically worked in moments to brag about their policy accomplishments.
10. He would subtly weave in stories to brag about his athletic achievements.
11. She slyly mentioned achievements to brag about her career success.
12. The entrepreneur craftily brought up successes to brag about their business empire.
13. He tactfully dropped comments to brag about his philanthropic contributions.
14. She cleverly found opportunities to brag about her artistic talents.