boast¹ ◙ verb 1. [reporting verb] talk with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about one's achievements, possessions, or abilities • 自夸，自吹自擂，夸耀 »[with direct speech] Ted used to boast ‘I manage ten people’. 特德过去常吹嘘道: "我管十个人。 »[with clause] he boasted that he had taken part in the crime. 他自吹自擂说自己参与了那桩犯罪活动。 »[noobj.] she boasted about her many conquests. 她自夸有很多人拜倒在她的石榴裙下。 2. [with obj.] (of a person, place, or thing) possess (a feature that is a source of pride) • （人，地方，事物）拥有（可引以自豪的特点） »the hotel boasts high standards of comfort. 那家宾馆提供高标准的服务使旅客舒适满意。 ◙ noun 1. an act of talking with excessive pride and self-satisfaction • 自夸，自吹自擂，夸耀 »I said I would score and it wasn't an idle boast. 我说我会得分，这不是无聊的吹牛。
【派生】
♦ boaster noun ♦ boastingly adverb
【语源】
1. Middle English (as a noun): of unknown originboast² ◙ noun 1. (in squash) a stroke in which the ball is made to hit one of the side walls before hitting the front wall • （壁球用语）侧墙球
【语源】
1. late 19th cent.: perhaps from French bosse denoting a rounded projection in the wall of a court for real tennis