B2 adjective #4,000 más común 11 min de lectura

brag

When someone brags, it means they talk a lot about how good they are at something. They might talk about things they own or things they can do very well.

It's like they are saying, "Look at me, I am the best!"

Sometimes, this can make other people feel a little bit annoyed.

They are very proud and want everyone to know it.

When someone brags, it means they talk about themselves or what they have in a way that shows too much pride.

They might talk a lot about their successes or their nice things.

It's like they want everyone to know how good they are or what great things they own.

Sometimes, when people brag, it can make others feel a little annoyed because it seems like they are trying too hard to impress.

At the B2 level, "brag" refers to speaking about oneself with excessive pride. It means someone is openly and often annoyingly boasting about their accomplishments, belongings, or skills.

This behavior aims to impress others by emphasizing one's own perceived superiority.

It's typically seen as self-satisfaction that can be irritating to those around them.

Therefore, if someone 'brags,' they are talking themselves up too much.

When someone is described as braggy, it means they exhibit a tendency to boast or show off their accomplishments, possessions, or skills in a way that often comes across as conceited or arrogant.

This behavior typically stems from a desire to draw attention to oneself and solicit admiration, yet it frequently results in alienating others due to its self-aggrandizing nature.

It implies a continuous pattern of speaking with excessive pride and self-satisfaction, often highlighting perceived superiority rather than sharing genuine achievements modestly.

Essentially, a person who is braggy consistently seeks to impress by flaunting their attributes, which can be perceived as irritating or off-putting in social interactions.

At the C2 level, 'brag' transcends simple boasting, delving into a nuanced understanding of social dynamics and individual psychology. It denotes a communicative act driven by an inflated sense of self-importance, where the speaker's primary aim is to conspicuously display their perceived superiority. This behavior often stems from a deep-seated need for external validation, masking insecurities through a performative show of accomplishments or possessions.

brag en 30 segundos

  • boastful behavior
  • excessive self-praise
  • annoying display of superiority

§ Brag as a Verb

The word 'brag' primarily functions as an intransitive verb, meaning it generally does not take a direct object. It describes the act of boasting or speaking excessively about one's accomplishments or possessions. When used in this way, it often implies a sense of self-satisfaction that can be perceived as annoying or arrogant by others.

Grammar Note
'Brag' is an irregular verb in its past tense and past participle forms, though the regular form is also widely accepted.
  • Present Simple: brag / brags
  • Present Participle: bragging
  • Past Simple: bragged (less commonly, brag)
  • Past Participle: bragged (less commonly, brag)

He always brags about his new car.

She was bragging about her promotion all evening.

§ Prepositions with 'Brag'

When 'brag' is used to specify the subject of boasting, it is commonly followed by certain prepositions. The most frequent prepositions are 'about' and 'of'.

Preposition: About
'About' is the most common preposition used with 'brag' to indicate the topic or subject of the boasting. It signifies what the person is talking excessively about.

He likes to brag about his athletic achievements.

Don't brag about your wealth; it's not polite.

Preposition: Of
While less common than 'about', 'of' can also be used with 'brag' in a similar context, often to emphasize a sense of pride or possession.

She would often brag of her family's long history.

Preposition: To (when followed by an indirect object)
When indicating to whom someone is bragging, the preposition 'to' is used before the indirect object.

He couldn't help but brag to his friends about his perfect score.

§ 'Bragging Rights' as a Noun Phrase

The phrase 'bragging rights' is a common idiom referring to the opportunity or justification to boast about an achievement or success. It's often used in a lighthearted or competitive context.

After winning the championship, they earned undisputed bragging rights for the year.

§ Definition

Definition
To speak with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about one's achievements, possessions, or abilities. It describes a behavior where an individual seeks to impress others by highlighting their own perceived superiority, often in a way that is annoying to others.

§ Where you actually hear this word

The word "brag" is quite common in everyday conversation and can appear in various contexts, from casual chats among friends to more formal discussions. Understanding where and how it's used will help you grasp its nuances.

§ At Work

In a professional setting, hearing someone "brag" can often be a source of irritation. While confidence is valued, excessive self-promotion can be off-putting to colleagues and superiors alike. It's often used to describe a coworker who constantly talks about their successes, sometimes at the expense of others.

After he closed the deal, John wouldn't stop bragging about how he was the best salesperson on the team.

You might also hear it in discussions about team dynamics or when someone is being critiqued for their behavior. For example, a manager might advise an employee to focus more on collaborative achievements rather than always trying to brag about individual accomplishments.

§ In School

In academic environments, "bragging" can manifest among students who are highly competitive. It's often used by peers to describe someone who constantly talks about their good grades, test scores, or extracurricular achievements, sometimes to make others feel inferior.

It's hard to study with Sarah; she tends to brag about how little she studies and still gets A's.

Teachers might also use the term to address behavior in the classroom, encouraging students to be humble and supportive of their classmates instead of always trying to outshine them. It's a subtle way of addressing arrogance without being overtly confrontational.

§ In the News

While less common than in personal interactions, "brag" can appear in news reports, particularly when discussing public figures, politicians, or celebrities. It's often used to describe instances where these individuals make statements that are perceived as overly self-aggrandizing or boastful.

Critics said the senator's speech was nothing more than an attempt to brag about his accomplishments rather than address the current economic challenges.

You might see it in opinion pieces or analyses where the writer is commenting on a person's public image or communication style. The term often implies a judgment that the individual's self-praise is inappropriate or excessive given the context.

§ Synonyms and Related Words

  • Boast: Very similar to brag, often interchangeable.
  • Show off: Implies a more deliberate attempt to impress others, often through actions rather than just words.
  • Flaunt: To display something ostentatiously, especially in order to provoke envy or admiration.
  • Gloat: To dwell on one's own success or another's misfortune with smugness or malignant pleasure.
  • Crow: To make a sound characteristic of a rooster; to express triumph or self-satisfaction loudly.

Understanding these related words can help you differentiate the subtle shades of meaning when discussing self-praise and excessive pride. While all imply a certain level of self-admiration, the context and intensity of the behavior can vary significantly.

§ Mistakes people make with this word

The word "brag" is often misused or misunderstood, leading to awkward or incorrect expressions. This section will highlight common pitfalls and provide clear explanations to help you use "brag" accurately and naturally.

§ Mistake 1: Using "brag" as an adjective

DEFINITION
One of the most frequent errors is treating "brag" as an adjective. While "bragging" (the present participle) can function adjectivally (e.g., "a bragging tone"), "brag" itself is primarily a verb or a noun.

Incorrect: He is very brag about his new car.

Correct: He brags a lot about his new car.

Correct: He is very boastful about his new car.

§ Mistake 2: Using "brag" without the preposition "about"

DEFINITION
When "brag" is used as a verb to indicate the subject of the bragging, it almost always requires the preposition "about." Omitting it can make the sentence sound incomplete or grammatically incorrect.

Incorrect: She likes to brag her academic achievements.

Correct: She likes to brag about her academic achievements.

§ Mistake 3: Confusing "brag" with other positive self-promotion verbs

DEFINITION
While words like "share," "discuss," or "announce" can also involve talking about achievements, "brag" carries a strong negative connotation of excessive pride and self-satisfaction that is often annoying to others. Using "brag" when a more neutral verb is appropriate can misrepresent the speaker's intent or the listener's perception.

Incorrect: He wasn't bragging, he was just sharing his excitement about getting into his dream university.

Correct: He wasn't boasting, he was just sharing his excitement about getting into his dream university.

Consider the context and the speaker's intent carefully. If the aim is simply to convey information or express genuine joy without an underlying desire to show off, "share" or "tell" would be more fitting.

§ Mistake 4: Overusing "brag"

DEFINITION
While "brag" is a useful word, its repetitive use can make writing monotonous. There are several synonyms that can add nuance and variety to your vocabulary.

Instead of constantly using "brag," consider these alternatives:

  • Boast: Often interchangeable with "brag," but can sometimes have a slightly less informal feel.
  • Show off: Implies a more overt display of possessions or skills to impress others.
  • Flaunt: Suggests displaying something ostentatiously to provoke envy or admiration.
  • Parade: To display something proudly or ostentatiously.
  • Crow: To express triumphant satisfaction, often loudly or excessively.

Instead of: He always brags about his intelligence.

Consider: He always boasts about his intelligence.

Or: He likes to flaunt his intelligence.

§ Conclusion

By understanding these common mistakes, you can use "brag" more effectively and avoid common pitfalls. Remember its primary role as a verb or noun, its need for the preposition "about" when specifying the subject, and its distinct negative connotation compared to more neutral verbs of self-promotion. Expanding your vocabulary with synonyms will also enhance your communication.

§ Similar Words and When to Use 'Brag' vs. Alternatives

The word "brag" carries a specific nuance of excessive and often annoying self-praise. While it can be used in various contexts, understanding its synonyms and near-synonyms helps in choosing the most precise word for your intended meaning. Here, we'll explore similar words and delineate when "brag" is the most appropriate choice.

DEFINITION
To speak with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about one's achievements, possessions, or abilities. It describes a behavior where an individual seeks to impress others by highlighting their own perceived superiority, often in a way that is annoying to others.

§ Synonyms and Related Terms

  • Boast: This is perhaps the closest synonym to "brag." Both words imply speaking with excessive pride, but "boast" can sometimes have a slightly less negative connotation, or it can be used more broadly to refer to a claim of superiority, whether or not it's annoying. However, in many contexts, they are interchangeable.
  • Show off: This term implies displaying one's possessions, talents, or achievements in an ostentatious way, often to elicit admiration or envy. While similar to bragging, "show off" focuses more on the demonstration than just the verbal expression.
  • Flaunt: To flaunt means to display something ostentatiously, especially in order to provoke envy or admiration. This word emphasizes the deliberate and often vulgar display of wealth, possessions, or achievements.
  • Swagger: This verb describes walking or behaving in a very confident and arrogant way. While it can be a consequence of bragging, it describes a broader demeanor rather than just the act of speaking proudly.
  • Crow: To crow means to express great satisfaction or triumph, especially to someone who has been defeated or outdone. It has a more specific context of victory or superiority over others.
  • Gloating: Gloating involves dwelling on one's own success or another's misfortune with smugness or malicious pleasure. It's often accompanied by bragging but emphasizes the internal feeling and a more sinister satisfaction.
  • Vaunt: This is a more formal and less common synonym for "boast" or "brag." It also implies excessive pride in one's achievements.

§ When to Use 'Brag'

"Brag" is best used when you want to emphasize the negative aspect of someone's self-praise – specifically, that it's excessive, self-satisfied, and often irritating to others. It highlights the speaker's attempt to elevate themselves and implicitly or explicitly diminish others.

He always has to brag about his expensive new car, even though nobody asked.

I wish she wouldn't brag so much about her grades; it makes everyone uncomfortable.

The politician couldn't resist to brag about his achievements during the debate.

§ Differentiating from Alternatives

  • Brag vs. Boast: While often interchangeable, "brag" tends to carry a stronger sense of annoyance or a more overt attempt to show off. "Boast" can sometimes be used in a more neutral way, like someone boasting about their team's victory, which might be seen as enthusiastic rather than purely annoying. However, if the boasting is excessive, it quickly becomes bragging.
  • Brag vs. Show Off: "Show off" is broader, encompassing both verbal and non-verbal displays. You can show off a new car by driving it ostentatiously without saying a word, whereas bragging is specifically about speaking about one's achievements or possessions. Someone who brags might also show off, but the two aren't identical.
  • Brag vs. Flaunt: "Flaunt" is very similar to "show off" but often implies a more deliberate and sometimes tasteless display. If someone brags about their wealth, they might also flaunt it by wearing expensive jewelry. "Brag" is the verbal act; "flaunt" is the display.
  • Brag vs. Crow: "Crow" is specifically about expressing triumph, often after a competition or victory. While bragging can be part of crowing, crowing usually implies a specific context of winning or overcoming someone.

In summary, use "brag" when you want to highlight the act of speaking about oneself with excessive, self-satisfied, and often annoying pride. Its strength lies in conveying the negative social impact of such behavior.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"His vainglorious boasts about his accomplishments quickly alienated his colleagues."

Neutral

"She has a boastful attitude, always talking about her expensive new car."

Informal

"He's so braggy about his grades, it gets really annoying sometimes."

Child friendly

"Don't be so show-offy with your new toy; let everyone have a turn."

Jerga

"He was totally flexing his new kicks at the party."

Gramática que debes saber

Present Simple for habitual actions: Use the present simple tense to describe actions that happen regularly or are habitual.

He often brags about his expensive car.

Adverbs of frequency: Adverbs like 'often,' 'always,' 'never,' 'sometimes' can be used with the present simple to indicate how frequently someone brags.

She always brags about her grades.

Preposition 'about': The verb 'brag' is commonly followed by the preposition 'about' to indicate the subject of the boasting.

They love to brag about their achievements.

Gerund after preposition: When a verb follows a preposition, it typically takes the gerund (-ing) form.

He enjoys bragging about winning every game.

Phrasal verbs with 'brag': While 'brag about' is the most common, less frequently 'brag on' can be used in informal contexts, meaning to praise someone.

His mother would brag on him constantly.

Ejemplos por nivel

1

He likes to brag about his new bike.

Он любит хвастаться своим новым велосипедом.

2

She always brags about her good grades.

Она всегда хвастается своими хорошими оценками.

3

Don't brag, it's not polite.

Не хвастайся, это невежливо.

Imperative form (command).

4

My friend likes to brag about winning games.

Мой друг любит хвастаться победами в играх.

5

It's not good to brag about your money.

Нехорошо хвастаться своими деньгами.

6

He will brag if he gets a new toy.

Он будет хвастаться, если получит новую игрушку.

7

The little boy likes to brag about his drawing.

Маленький мальчик любит хвастаться своим рисунком.

8

She brags about her fast running.

Она хвастается своим быстрым бегом.

1

He tends to brag about his new car all the time.

Он постоянно хвастается своей новой машиной.

The verb 'to brag' is followed by 'about' when referring to what is being bragged about.

2

It's not good to brag, even if you're very proud of something.

Нехорошо хвастаться, даже если ты очень гордишься чем-то.

'To brag' can be used as an infinitive after 'it's not good'.

3

She likes to brag that she got the highest score on the test.

Она любит хвастаться, что получила самый высокий балл на тесте.

'To brag' can be followed by 'that' and a clause.

4

Please don't brag about your success in front of others.

Пожалуйста, не хвастайся своим успехом перед другими.

The imperative form of 'to brag' is used here.

5

He can be annoying when he starts to brag about his wealth.

Он может быть назойливым, когда начинает хвастаться своим богатством.

'To brag' can be used after verbs like 'start' followed by 'to' or the -ing form.

6

I don't want to brag, but I think I did really well.

Я не хочу хвастаться, но, думаю, я очень хорошо справился.

This is a common polite phrase to introduce a statement that might sound like bragging.

7

She has a habit of bragging about her children's achievements.

У нее есть привычка хвастаться достижениями своих детей.

'To brag' can be used after 'habit of' with the -ing form.

8

His bragging became tiresome after a while.

Его хвастовство стало утомительным через некоторое время.

The noun form 'bragging' can be used as the subject of a sentence.

1

He tends to brag about his perfect grades, even when no one asks.

Он склонен хвастаться своими отличными оценками, даже когда его никто не спрашивает.

Here, 'brag about' is followed by a noun phrase indicating what he brags about.

2

She would always brag about her expensive new car to all her friends.

Она всегда хвасталась своей дорогой новой машиной перед всеми своими друзьями.

The phrase 'brag about' is used to describe the action of boasting.

3

It's quite rude to brag constantly about your wealth when others are struggling.

Довольно грубо постоянно хвастаться своим богатством, когда другие испытывают трудности.

'To brag' is used as an infinitive after 'quite rude'.

4

I wish he wouldn't brag so much about all the famous people he's met.

Хотелось бы, чтобы он не так сильно хвастался всеми известными людьми, с которыми он встречался.

'Brag so much' emphasizes the excessive nature of the boasting.

5

They like to brag about their adventurous travels around the world.

Они любят хвастаться своими приключенческими путешествиями по всему миру.

'Like to brag' is a common construction to express a habit or preference.

6

He couldn't help but brag about scoring the winning goal in the football match.

Он не мог не хвастаться тем, что забил победный гол в футбольном матче.

'Couldn't help but brag' indicates an uncontrollable urge to boast.

7

Despite her achievements, she never likes to brag, which is admirable.

Несмотря на свои достижения, она никогда не любит хвастаться, что восхитительно.

'Never likes to brag' shows a contrasting behavior to the definition of 'brag'.

8

Some people brag to mask their insecurities, though it often has the opposite effect.

Некоторые люди хвастаются, чтобы скрыть свою неуверенность, хотя это часто имеет обратный эффект.

Here, 'brag' is used to describe a motivation behind the behavior.

1

Despite his undeniable talent, his tendency to brag about every minor accomplishment alienated some of his colleagues.

Despite his undeniable talent, his tendency to boast about every minor accomplishment alienated some of his colleagues.

The gerund 'bragging' could also be used here as 'his bragging about...'

2

She couldn't help but brag about her perfect score on the exam, much to the annoyance of her less successful classmates.

She couldn't help but boast about her perfect score on the exam, much to the annoyance of her less successful classmates.

'Couldn't help but brag' is an idiom meaning she was unable to prevent herself from bragging.

3

The celebrity was notorious for always finding a way to brag about his extravagant lifestyle during interviews.

The celebrity was notorious for always finding a way to boast about his extravagant lifestyle during interviews.

'Notorious for' indicates a negative reputation.

4

He would often brag about his athletic prowess, even when his team suffered a crushing defeat.

He would often boast about his athletic prowess, even when his team suffered a crushing defeat.

'Prowess' means skill or expertise in a particular activity or field.

5

It's understandable to be proud of your achievements, but there's a fine line between sharing success and starting to brag.

It's understandable to be proud of your achievements, but there's a fine line between sharing success and starting to boast.

'A fine line' is an idiom meaning a subtle distinction or difference.

6

His incessant need to brag about his financial successes made him seem rather shallow and unapproachable.

His incessant need to boast about his financial successes made him seem rather shallow and unapproachable.

'Incessant' means continuing without pause or interruption; 'shallow' implies a lack of depth or seriousness.

7

Instead of letting her accomplishments speak for themselves, she felt compelled to brag about them at every opportunity.

Instead of letting her accomplishments speak for themselves, she felt compelled to boast about them at every opportunity.

'Speak for themselves' is an idiom meaning to be evident without explanation or defense.

8

He tried not to brag, but the excitement of winning the championship was simply too much to contain.

He tried not to boast, but the excitement of winning the championship was simply too much to contain.

'Too much to contain' means it was impossible to keep it a secret or to keep from expressing it.

1

Her incessant bragging about her Ivy League education quickly became tiresome to her colleagues, who valued humility and collaborative spirit over self-aggrandizement.

Incessant bragging = constant boasting; tiresome = annoying; self-aggrandizement = self-promotion.

The gerund 'bragging' functions as the subject of the sentence, modified by the adjective 'incessant'.

2

Despite his undeniable talent, his tendency to brag about every minor success alienated potential collaborators and hindered his professional growth.

Undeniable talent = unquestionable skill; alienated = estranged; hindered = impeded.

The phrase 'tendency to brag' describes a characteristic behavior. 'Alienated' and 'hindered' are past tense verbs describing consequences.

3

The CEO's public bragging about the company's record profits, while employees faced stagnant wages, sparked widespread resentment and calls for greater transparency.

Stagnant wages = unchanging salaries; widespread resentment = common displeasure; transparency = openness.

The adjective 'public' modifies 'bragging', emphasizing the open nature of the boasting. 'Sparked' is a verb indicating the initiation of an action.

4

She couldn't help but brag about her perfect score on the notoriously difficult exam, a moment of unbridled triumph after weeks of intense study.

Notoriously difficult = famously hard; unbridled triumph = unrestrained victory; intense study = focused learning.

The phrase 'couldn't help but brag' indicates an uncontrollable impulse. 'Unbridled' is an adjective modifying 'triumph'.

5

His incessant bragging about his ancestral lineage and aristocratic connections often overshadowed any genuine contributions he made to the intellectual discourse.

Ancestral lineage = family history; aristocratic connections = noble ties; intellectual discourse = academic discussion.

The phrase 'incessant bragging' acts as the subject. 'Overshadowed' is a verb meaning to diminish in importance.

6

The politician's thinly veiled bragging about his philanthropic endeavors was widely perceived as a cynical attempt to garner votes rather than genuine altruism.

Thinly veiled = poorly disguised; philanthropic endeavors = charitable efforts; cynical attempt = skeptical effort; altruism = selflessness.

The adverb 'thinly' modifies the past participle 'veiled', which in turn modifies 'bragging'. 'Widely perceived' shows a general opinion.

7

While a certain degree of self-promotion is expected in competitive fields, his egregious bragging about his financial successes was deemed unprofessional and tactless.

Egregious bragging = exceptionally bad boasting; deemed unprofessional = considered inappropriate; tactless = insensitive.

'Egregious' is a strong adjective describing the extent of the bragging. 'Deemed' is a verb meaning judged or considered.

8

The young prodigy's propensity to brag about her musical virtuosity, though understandable, sometimes alienated her peers and made collaboration challenging.

Young prodigy = gifted child; propensity to brag = tendency to boast; musical virtuosity = exceptional musical skill; alienated her peers = distanced her equals.

'Propensity to brag' describes a natural inclination. The participial phrase 'though understandable' acts as a concession.

Sinónimos

boast flaunt show off crow vaunt grandstand

Antónimos

belittle understate be humble

Colocaciones comunes

to brag about хвастаться чем-либо
to brag incessantly беспрестанно хвастаться
to brag openly открыто хвастаться
to brag shamelessly бесстыдно хвастаться
to brag loudly громко хвастаться
to brag proudly гордо хвастаться
to brag boastfully хвастливо бахвалиться
to brag constantly постоянно хвастаться
to brag endlessly бесконечно хвастаться
to brag quietly тихо хвастаться

Frases Comunes

He likes to brag about his new car.

Он любит хвастаться своей новой машиной.

Don't brag too much.

Не хвастайся слишком много.

She can't help but brag about her achievements.

Она не может не хвастаться своими достижениями.

It's annoying when people brag all the time.

Раздражает, когда люди постоянно хвастаются.

He tends to brag a lot after a few drinks.

Он склонен много хвастаться после нескольких выпивок.

They bragged about winning the championship.

Они хвастались победой в чемпионате.

I don't mean to brag, but I got the highest score.

Не хочу хвастаться, но я получил самый высокий балл.

She would brag to anyone who would listen.

Она хвасталась любому, кто готов был слушать.

His bragging became unbearable.

Его хвастовство стало невыносимым.

It's considered rude to brag.

Считается грубым хвастаться.

Modismos y expresiones

"Blow your own trumpet"

To boast about one's own achievements or qualities.

He's always blowing his own trumpet about how well he did in the exam.

informal

"Pat yourself on the back"

To praise oneself for an achievement.

After finishing the project ahead of schedule, she allowed herself to pat herself on the back.

neutral

"Talk a big game"

To boast or make grand claims that are not always backed up by action.

He talks a big game about his business plans, but we rarely see any results.

informal

"Sing your own praises"

To boast about your own achievements and qualities.

It's rare to hear her sing her own praises, even when she's done something remarkable.

neutral

"Beat your chest"

To show excessive pride or triumph, often in an aggressive way.

After winning the game, the captain started beating his chest and shouting.

informal

"Gloating over your success"

To express great satisfaction or pleasure, often maliciously, at one's own success or another's misfortune.

There's no need to gloat over your success; show some humility.

neutral

"Crow about something"

To boast loudly or triumphantly about something.

He's been crowing about his promotion ever since he got it.

informal

"Have a high opinion of oneself"

To consider oneself to be very good or important.

She clearly has a very high opinion of herself, often dismissing others' ideas.

neutral

"Be full of oneself"

To be conceited or excessively proud.

Ever since he won the award, he's been really full of himself.

informal

"Show off"

To display one's abilities or possessions ostentatiously in order to impress others.

He bought a sports car just to show off to his neighbors.

informal

Consejos

Synonyms & Antonyms

Explore synonyms like boast, show off, and gloat, and antonyms like be humble or understate to understand the full spectrum of 'brag'.

Contextual Usage

Notice how 'brag' is often used in phrases like 'brag about' or 'brag that'. For example, 'He likes to brag about his new car.' or 'She would often brag that she was the best student.'

Sentence Examples

Create your own sentences using 'brag' to solidify your understanding. For instance, 'It's impolite to brag about your wealth.' or 'Don't brag too much, people might find it annoying.'

Pronunciation Practice

Practice saying 'brag' aloud. Pay attention to the short 'a' sound. You can use online dictionaries that provide audio pronunciations to help.

Common Collocations

Recognize common words that often go with 'brag,' such as 'loudly brag,' 'constantly brag,' or 'humbly admit' (as an opposite). This helps with natural usage.

Negative Connotation

Remember that 'bragging' usually carries a negative connotation. It implies an annoying or excessive display of pride, so use it carefully.

Cultural Nuances

In some cultures, modesty is highly valued, and bragging can be seen as very rude. Be aware of these cultural differences when communicating.

Identify Behaviors

Try to identify instances of bragging in real life or in media. This will help you recognize the behavior associated with the word and its meaning in action.

Figurative Use

Sometimes, 'brag' can be used figuratively, for example, 'The restaurant's menu brags about its fresh ingredients.' Here, it means the menu proudly displays this information.

Opposite Actions

Think about what someone does instead of bragging. They might modestly accept praise or downplay their achievements. Understanding the opposite helps solidify the meaning.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

After winning the local chess tournament, John couldn't resist the urge to brag to all his friends about how easily he defeated his opponents.

  • couldn't resist the urge to brag
  • brag to all his friends
  • brag about how easily he defeated

Sarah's constant bragging about her designer clothes and expensive vacations made her less popular among her colleagues.

  • constant bragging about
  • her designer clothes and expensive vacations
  • made her less popular

Despite his genuine talent, Mark's tendency to brag about his musical abilities often overshadowed his performances.

  • tendency to brag about
  • his musical abilities
  • overshadowed his performances

The new manager's habit of bragging about his past successes in every meeting started to annoy the team.

  • habit of bragging about
  • his past successes
  • started to annoy the team

She would always brag about her children's accomplishments, even when it wasn't relevant to the conversation.

  • always brag about
  • her children's accomplishments
  • even when it wasn't relevant

Inicios de conversación

"Have you ever encountered someone who tends to brag a lot? How did that make you feel?"

"What do you think is the difference between confidently sharing achievements and outright bragging?"

"Why do you think some people feel the need to brag?"

"Can bragging ever be seen in a positive light, or is it always negative?"

"How do you usually react when someone starts to brag in a conversation?"

Temas para diario

Describe a time when you might have bragged about something, even if unintentionally. What was the situation, and how did you feel afterward?

Reflect on a time someone bragged to you. How did their words or actions impact your perception of them?

Consider the line between pride and bragging. Where do you draw that line personally?

Write about the reasons why you might avoid bragging, even if you have good reason to be proud.

Imagine you're coaching someone on how to share their successes without bragging. What advice would you give them?

Ponte a prueba 132 preguntas

fill blank A1

He likes to ___ about his new toys.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: brag

To brag means to talk proudly about yourself or your things.

fill blank A1

My sister likes to ___ about her good grades.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: brag

To brag means to talk proudly about yourself or your things.

fill blank A1

Don't ___ about your money, it's not polite.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: brag

To brag means to talk proudly about yourself or your things.

fill blank A1

She will always ___ about her fast car.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: brag

To brag means to talk proudly about yourself or your things.

fill blank A1

It's not nice to ___ about winning the game.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: brag

To brag means to talk proudly about yourself or your things.

fill blank A1

He started to ___ about his new bicycle.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: brag

To brag means to talk proudly about yourself or your things.

listening A1

Listen for what he likes to do.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: He likes to brag about his new toy car.
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening A1

Listen for what she brags about.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: She always brags about her good grades.
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening A1

Listen to what my friend is not.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: My friend doesn't brag, he is humble.
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking A1

Read this aloud:

I like to talk about my cat.

Focus: cat

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking A1

Read this aloud:

He has a big house.

Focus: big

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking A1

Read this aloud:

She is a good student.

Focus: good

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing A1

Write a short sentence about something you like to do.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

I like to play with my cat.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing A1

Write a sentence about your favorite food.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

My favorite food is pizza.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing A1

Write a sentence describing your friend.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

My friend is nice.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
reading A1

What color is Tom's dog?

Read this passage:

My name is Tom. I have a dog. My dog is big and brown. I like to play with my dog.

What color is Tom's dog?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: brown

The passage says, 'My dog is big and brown.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: brown

The passage says, 'My dog is big and brown.'

reading A1

What color is the car?

Read this passage:

This is a car. It is red. It goes fast. I like red cars.

What color is the car?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: red

The passage says, 'It is red.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: red

The passage says, 'It is red.'

reading A1

What does the bird do?

Read this passage:

I see a bird. The bird is small. It sings a song. The song is pretty.

What does the bird do?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: sing

The passage says, 'It sings a song.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: sing

The passage says, 'It sings a song.'

multiple choice A2

My friend likes to _____ about his new toy.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: brag

'Brag' means to speak with too much pride about oneself, which fits the context of someone showing off a new toy.

multiple choice A2

She doesn't like to _____ about her good grades.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: brag

To 'brag' about good grades means to boast, and the sentence implies she prefers not to do that.

multiple choice A2

It's not good to _____ about your money.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: brag

Boasting or 'bragging' about money is generally considered impolite, fitting the context of the sentence.

true false A2

If you brag, you are being humble.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Falso

Bragging means to show off, which is the opposite of being humble.

true false A2

A person who brags talks a lot about their achievements.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Verdadero

Bragging involves speaking with excessive pride about one's achievements.

true false A2

It is polite to brag about your new phone.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Falso

Bragging is often seen as annoying or impolite because it involves showing off too much.

listening A2

Listen for what he likes to do about his new car.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: He likes to brag about his new car.
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening A2

Listen for the advice given.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Don't brag, just be humble.
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening A2

Listen for what she always talks about.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: She always brags about her good grades.
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking A2

Read this aloud:

I don't like people who brag.

Focus: brag

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking A2

Read this aloud:

He started to brag about his achievements.

Focus: started to brag

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking A2

Read this aloud:

It's not good to brag all the time.

Focus: all the time

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing A2

Write two sentences about something you are good at, but try not to brag. For example, you could say 'I like to draw, and my friends sometimes ask me to draw for them.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

I am good at cooking simple meals. My family always enjoys my spaghetti.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing A2

Imagine your friend got a good grade on a test. Write a short message (1-2 sentences) to congratulate them without talking about your own grades.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

Congratulations on your good grade! That's really great news, I'm so happy for you.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing A2

Write one sentence about something you own that you like, but do not say it is the best or most expensive. For example, 'I have a red bicycle that I enjoy riding.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

I have a soft blanket that I like to use when I watch TV.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
reading A2

What does Tom do that his friends don't like?

Read this passage:

Tom always tells everyone about his new toys. He says, 'My new robot is the best! Your toys are old.' His friends don't like it when Tom talks like this. They want to play with Tom, but he only talks about his things.

What does Tom do that his friends don't like?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: He brags about his new toys.

The passage says Tom 'always tells everyone about his new toys' and says 'Your toys are old,' which shows he is bragging. His friends 'don't like it when Tom talks like this.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: He brags about his new toys.

The passage says Tom 'always tells everyone about his new toys' and says 'Your toys are old,' which shows he is bragging. His friends 'don't like it when Tom talks like this.'

reading A2

How did Sarah act about her prize?

Read this passage:

Sarah won a small prize at school. She was happy, but she didn't tell everyone. When her friend asked, 'Did you win anything?', Sarah said, 'Yes, I won a small book. It was fun!' She didn't say 'I am the best winner!'

How did Sarah act about her prize?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: She was humble about it.

Sarah didn't 'tell everyone' and she didn't say 'I am the best winner!', which means she was humble, not bragging.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: She was humble about it.

Sarah didn't 'tell everyone' and she didn't say 'I am the best winner!', which means she was humble, not bragging.

reading A2

What is the brother doing?

Read this passage:

My brother got a new computer. He says, 'My computer is so fast! It's better than all your old computers.' My sister and I think he talks too much about it. We wish he would just play games with us.

What is the brother doing?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: He is bragging about his computer.

The brother says his computer is 'so fast!' and 'better than all your old computers,' and his siblings 'think he talks too much about it,' which means he is bragging.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: He is bragging about his computer.

The brother says his computer is 'so fast!' and 'better than all your old computers,' and his siblings 'think he talks too much about it,' which means he is bragging.

sentence order A2

Toca las palabras de abajo para formar la oración
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: He likes to brag

This sentence describes someone who enjoys bragging, which means talking about themselves too much.

sentence order A2

Toca las palabras de abajo para formar la oración
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Don't brag about your toys

This sentence tells someone not to brag about their toys, meaning not to show them off too proudly.

sentence order A2

Toca las palabras de abajo para formar la oración
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: She will brag about her new dress

This sentence says she will brag about her new dress, meaning she will proudly tell everyone about it.

multiple choice B1

Choose the sentence where someone is bragging:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: He told everyone how he won the competition, saying it was easy for him.

Bragging involves speaking with excessive pride and self-satisfaction, often to impress others. Saying something was 'easy for him' after winning a competition suggests this behavior.

multiple choice B1

Which of these is an example of bragging?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: An athlete saying, 'I'm the best player on the team, nobody can beat me.'

Declaring oneself 'the best' and that 'nobody can beat me' shows excessive pride and a desire to impress, which is the definition of bragging.

multiple choice B1

What is the opposite of bragging?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Modesty

Bragging is about excessive self-praise. Modesty is the quality of not talking about or not trying to make people notice your abilities or achievements.

true false B1

If someone is bragging, they are usually being humble.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Falso

Bragging means speaking with excessive pride, which is the opposite of being humble.

true false B1

Bragging often involves making others feel inferior.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Verdadero

When someone brags, they often highlight their own perceived superiority, which can make others feel less important or capable.

true false B1

It's always good to brag about your accomplishments.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Falso

While it's good to be proud of achievements, bragging (excessive pride) can be annoying to others and is generally not considered a positive trait.

listening B1

Listen for what he talks about often.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: He tends to brag about his new car all the time.
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening B1

What was she proud of?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: She was bragging about her excellent test results.
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening B1

Consider the advice given about achievements.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: It's not good to brag, even if you've achieved something great.
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking B1

Read this aloud:

I don't like people who brag.

Focus: brag

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking B1

Read this aloud:

He started to brag about his swimming skills.

Focus: brag, skills

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking B1

Read this aloud:

She has a tendency to brag.

Focus: tendency, brag

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing B1

Imagine you met someone who always talks about how great they are. How would you describe this person's behavior to a friend? Use the word 'brag' in your description.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

I met a new person today, and they really like to brag about their achievements. It was a bit annoying because they talked about themselves all the time.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing B1

Write a short paragraph about a time when someone you know bragged about something. What was it, and how did it make you feel?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

My brother once bragged about getting a perfect score on his math test. He told everyone in the family, and it made me feel a little jealous, but also proud of him.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing B1

Complete the sentence with your own idea: "It's okay to be proud of your accomplishments, but you shouldn't brag because..."

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

It's okay to be proud of your accomplishments, but you shouldn't brag because it can make other people feel bad or think you are showing off too much.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
reading B1

What word best describes Sarah's behavior?

Read this passage:

Sarah was excited about her new car. She kept telling all her friends about how fast it was and how much money she saved to buy it. She even showed them pictures and talked about it for a long time. Her friends started to feel a little tired of hearing about it.

What word best describes Sarah's behavior?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Bragging

Sarah is talking with excessive pride about her new car, which is the definition of bragging. Her friends are also tired of hearing about it, which implies the behavior is annoying.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Bragging

Sarah is talking with excessive pride about her new car, which is the definition of bragging. Her friends are also tired of hearing about it, which implies the behavior is annoying.

reading B1

Did Mark brag about his win?

Read this passage:

Mark won first place in the school talent show. He was very happy and told his parents. His parents told him they were very proud. The next day at school, Mark mentioned his win to a few friends, but he didn't go on and on about it. He thanked his friends for congratulating him.

Did Mark brag about his win?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: No, he was modest about it.

Mark mentioned his win, but he didn't speak with 'excessive pride and self-satisfaction' or 'go on and on about it.' He was modest.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: No, he was modest about it.

Mark mentioned his win, but he didn't speak with 'excessive pride and self-satisfaction' or 'go on and on about it.' He was modest.

reading B1

What is the main idea of this passage?

Read this passage:

Some people like to constantly remind others of their expensive possessions, like a big house or fancy clothes. They believe this will make them seem important. However, often it has the opposite effect, and people find them difficult to be around.

What is the main idea of this passage?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Bragging about possessions can be annoying to others.

The passage describes people who 'constantly remind others of their expensive possessions' and how 'people find them difficult to be around,' which directly relates to the negative impact of bragging.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Bragging about possessions can be annoying to others.

The passage describes people who 'constantly remind others of their expensive possessions' and how 'people find them difficult to be around,' which directly relates to the negative impact of bragging.

sentence order B1

Toca las palabras de abajo para formar la oración
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: He always likes to brag about his achievements

The correct order forms a coherent sentence about someone who brags.

sentence order B1

Toca las palabras de abajo para formar la oración
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: People usually don't like who brag

This sentence explains that bragging is often disliked by others.

sentence order B1

Toca las palabras de abajo para formar la oración
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: It's not good to brag about yourself

This sentence offers advice against bragging.

listening B2

The speaker is talking about someone's behavior at a party.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: His constant bragging about his new car started to annoy everyone at the party.
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening B2

The speaker is describing someone's reaction to an exam result.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: She couldn't help but brag about her perfect score on the exam.
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening B2

The speaker is expressing a personal preference about certain types of people.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: I find it difficult to be around people who constantly brag about their wealth.
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking B2

Read this aloud:

Try to avoid bragging too much about your accomplishments, even if you're proud.

Focus: bragging

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking B2

Read this aloud:

He has a tendency to brag about his sports achievements.

Focus: tendency, achievements

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking B2

Read this aloud:

While it's good to be confident, excessive bragging can be off-putting.

Focus: excessive, off-putting

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing B2

Imagine you overheard someone bragging excessively. Describe the situation, what they were bragging about, and how it made you and others feel. Use at least three sentences.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

I once overheard a colleague constantly bragging about their expensive new car and how much better it was than everyone else's. It was quite annoying, and I noticed other people at the table subtly rolling their eyes. Their continuous self-praise created a real sense of discomfort in the room.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing B2

Write a short paragraph about why people might brag, even if it often has a negative effect on how others perceive them. Consider potential underlying reasons.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

People might brag for several reasons, often stemming from insecurity or a need for external validation. They might believe that highlighting their achievements will boost their self-esteem or gain them attention and respect from others. However, this often backfires, as excessive bragging can make them seem arrogant and off-putting rather than impressive.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing B2

Write a short dialogue (2-3 exchanges) between two friends where one friend describes an encounter with a 'braggy' person. Focus on expressing their feelings about the encounter.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

Friend 1: "You wouldn't believe who I ran into today. Sarah! All she did was brag about her new promotion and how she's basically running the whole department now." Friend 2: "Oh, no. Was it as exhausting as it sounds?" Friend 1: "Completely! I just wanted the ground to swallow me whole. Her constant self-praise was so annoying."

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
reading B2

What was the main reason Mark's friends started to avoid him?

Read this passage:

Mark was usually a quiet and unassuming person, but after winning the regional chess championship, he became almost unbearable. Every conversation somehow led back to his victory, the brilliant moves he made, and how much better he was than his opponents. His friends, initially supportive, started to avoid him, finding his constant self-congratulation increasingly tiresome. They felt that while it was good to celebrate, his bragging had gone too far.

What was the main reason Mark's friends started to avoid him?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: His continuous bragging about his achievement.

The passage clearly states that his friends found his 'constant self-congratulation increasingly tiresome' and that 'his bragging had gone too far.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: His continuous bragging about his achievement.

The passage clearly states that his friends found his 'constant self-congratulation increasingly tiresome' and that 'his bragging had gone too far.'

reading B2

According to the passage, what is a key difference between confidence and bragging?

Read this passage:

Some people mistake confidence for bragging, but there's a crucial difference. Confidence is about quietly believing in your own abilities and achievements without needing to constantly announce them. Bragging, on the other hand, involves overtly and often excessively proclaiming one's successes with the aim of impressing others or asserting superiority. While confidence can be attractive, bragging often has the opposite effect, alienating those around you.

According to the passage, what is a key difference between confidence and bragging?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Confidence is about internal belief, while bragging is external display.

The passage states, 'Confidence is about quietly believing in your own abilities... Bragging, on the other hand, involves overtly and often excessively proclaiming one's successes.' This highlights the internal vs. external aspect.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Confidence is about internal belief, while bragging is external display.

The passage states, 'Confidence is about quietly believing in your own abilities... Bragging, on the other hand, involves overtly and often excessively proclaiming one's successes.' This highlights the internal vs. external aspect.

reading B2

What is a potential negative consequence of bragging in a work environment, as described in the passage?

Read this passage:

In a competitive work environment, some individuals might resort to bragging as a strategy to gain recognition or climb the corporate ladder. They believe that by constantly highlighting their contributions, they will be seen as more valuable. However, this approach can often backfire, leading to resentment from colleagues and a reputation for arrogance rather than competence. True leadership often involves humility and recognizing the contributions of the entire team.

What is a potential negative consequence of bragging in a work environment, as described in the passage?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: It can result in resentment from colleagues and a reputation for arrogance.

The passage explicitly states, 'this approach can often backfire, leading to resentment from colleagues and a reputation for arrogance rather than competence.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: It can result in resentment from colleagues and a reputation for arrogance.

The passage explicitly states, 'this approach can often backfire, leading to resentment from colleagues and a reputation for arrogance rather than competence.'

sentence order B2

Toca las palabras de abajo para formar la oración
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: He wouldn't stop bragging about his new car. It was quite annoying.

This order creates a coherent and grammatically correct sentence describing someone bragging and the listener's reaction.

sentence order B2

Toca las palabras de abajo para formar la oración
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: She tends to brag about her academic achievements in every conversation.

This sequence forms a logical sentence indicating a person's tendency to boast about their grades.

sentence order B2

Toca las palabras de abajo para formar la oración
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: It's natural to want to share about his success, but try not to brag.

This order presents a common human desire to share good news, followed by a caution against bragging.

fill blank C1

His constant ___ about his new car quickly became tiresome to everyone at the party.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: bragging

The word 'bragging' most accurately describes the act of speaking with excessive pride and self-satisfaction, which aligns with the provided definition.

fill blank C1

She couldn't resist the urge to ___ about her recent promotion, even though she knew it might annoy some colleagues.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: brag

In this context, 'brag' directly refers to the act of speaking proudly about one's achievements, which is the core meaning of the word.

fill blank C1

Despite his considerable talents, his tendency to ___ about them often overshadowed his genuine abilities.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: brag

'Brag' is the most suitable verb here, as it specifically implies speaking with excessive pride about one's talents.

fill blank C1

The CEO's continuous ___ about the company's profits seemed insensitive given the recent layoffs.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: bragging

Given the negative connotation of 'insensitive' and the definition, 'bragging' is the best fit, implying excessive and potentially inappropriate pride.

fill blank C1

It's one thing to be proud of your accomplishments, but another to constantly ___ about them.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: brag

The contrast between being proud and 'constantly bragging' highlights the excessive and self-satisfying nature of the word 'brag'.

fill blank C1

Her friends grew tired of her endless ___ about her lavish vacations and designer clothes.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: bragging

'Bragging' effectively conveys the idea of speaking with excessive pride about possessions, which was annoying to her friends.

multiple choice C1

Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies a 'brag'?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: An individual constantly recounting their expensive purchases and exotic vacations to acquaintances.

Bragging involves excessive pride and self-satisfaction, often used to impress others in an annoying way. Constantly detailing expensive purchases and exotic vacations fits this description.

multiple choice C1

Which word is a synonym for 'brag' when describing a person's behavior?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Boastful

Boastful means to show off or speak with excessive pride, which is a direct synonym for bragging behavior.

multiple choice C1

A 'brag' often stems from a desire to:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Seek validation and elevate one's status in the eyes of others.

Bragging is typically driven by a need for external validation and a desire to appear superior, often making others feel uncomfortable.

true false C1

Someone who 'brags' is likely to be perceived as humble and considerate.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Falso

Bragging implies excessive pride and self-satisfaction, which is the opposite of humility and can often be inconsiderate of others' feelings.

true false C1

The act of 'bragging' always involves intentionally trying to make others feel inferior.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Falso

While bragging can often have the effect of making others feel inferior, the primary intention is usually to impress or elevate oneself, rather than explicitly putting others down.

true false C1

Sharing a personal achievement with a mentor for career advice is an example of 'bragging'.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Falso

Sharing achievements in a professional context for guidance or mentorship is generally not considered bragging, as it serves a constructive purpose and lacks the excessive pride and self-satisfaction characteristic of bragging.

listening C1

Listen for the word that describes showing off possessions.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: His constant bragging about his new sports car started to annoy everyone at the party.
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening C1

Pay attention to the word referring to excessive pride in accomplishments.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: She has a tendency to brag about her academic achievements, even when it's not relevant to the conversation.
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening C1

Identify the word that means boasting frequently.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: While confidence is good, incessant bragging can be off-putting to colleagues and clients.
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking C1

Read this aloud:

It's important to differentiate between sharing your accomplishments and bragging about them.

Focus: bragging

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking C1

Read this aloud:

He couldn't resist bragging about his promotion, much to the chagrin of his less successful friends.

Focus: chagrin

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking C1

Read this aloud:

Some people mistakenly believe that bragging is a sign of self-assurance, but it often indicates insecurity.

Focus: insecurity

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing C1

Write a short paragraph about a time someone you know bragged excessively, and how it made you feel. Use descriptive language to convey their behavior and your reaction.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

My colleague, Mark, constantly brags about his 'unparalleled' sales achievements, often interrupting others to interject with tales of his latest triumphs. His boastful demeanor and self-centered narratives are incredibly annoying, making it difficult to maintain a polite facade. I find myself increasingly irritated by his perceived air of superiority, which often overshadows any genuine achievements he might have.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing C1

Imagine you are writing a character sketch for a novel. Describe a character who has a tendency to brag, focusing on their motivations and the impact of their bragging on those around them. Consider why they might feel the need to boast.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

Eleanor, a socialite known for her ostentatious displays of wealth and accomplishments, often felt compelled to brag about her connections and extravagant lifestyle. Beneath the veneer of confidence, however, lay a deep-seated insecurity, a constant need for external validation that drove her narcissistic tendencies. Her incessant boasting, while initially impressive to some, eventually led to the alienation of her true friends, who grew weary of her self-aggrandizing narratives.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing C1

Compose a short persuasive essay arguing for or against the idea that occasional bragging can be a harmless and even necessary form of self-promotion. Support your argument with examples and reasoning.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

While excessive bragging can be off-putting, a measured degree of self-promotion, often mistaken for harmless bragging, can be a valuable tool for career advancement and personal recognition. Confidently articulating one's achievements, when done tactfully and within appropriate boundaries, demonstrates competence and ambition. The key lies in distinguishing between genuine self-confidence and an arrogant display of superiority; the former is often perceived as professional, while the latter can quickly erode trust and respect. Therefore, occasional, judicious 'bragging' is not only harmless but can be a necessary component of effective self-promotion.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
reading C1

What was the main reason Tom's colleagues started to avoid him?

Read this passage:

Sarah's colleague, Tom, had a habit of always steering conversations back to his own accomplishments. Whether it was a major project at work or a personal anecdote, he would find a way to highlight his brilliance. His colleagues, while initially tolerating it, eventually found his constant self-aggrandizement tiresome and began to avoid engaging him in discussions.

What was the main reason Tom's colleagues started to avoid him?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: He frequently bragged about his achievements.

The passage clearly states that 'his constant self-aggrandizement' was tiresome, leading his colleagues to avoid him. 'Self-aggrandizement' is a synonym for bragging.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: He frequently bragged about his achievements.

The passage clearly states that 'his constant self-aggrandizement' was tiresome, leading his colleagues to avoid him. 'Self-aggrandizement' is a synonym for bragging.

reading C1

According to the passage, what is the ideal way to express self-confidence?

Read this passage:

The ancient Greek philosopher Plutarch once wrote, 'To be humble to superiors is duty, to equals courtesy, to inferiors nobleness.' This sentiment suggests a societal value placed on modesty, a stark contrast to the behavior of those who frequently brag. While self-confidence is admirable, its expression should ideally be tempered with a consideration for others, lest it be perceived as arrogance.

According to the passage, what is the ideal way to express self-confidence?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: With modesty and consideration for others.

The passage emphasizes that 'its expression should ideally be tempered with a consideration for others, lest it be perceived as arrogance,' directly contrasting with bragging.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: With modesty and consideration for others.

The passage emphasizes that 'its expression should ideally be tempered with a consideration for others, lest it be perceived as arrogance,' directly contrasting with bragging.

reading C1

What is a potential negative consequence of consistent bragging, according to the study?

Read this passage:

A recent study on social interactions found that individuals who consistently engage in bragging, particularly about material possessions or superficial accomplishments, are often rated lower in likeability and trustworthiness by their peers. This suggests that while bragging might temporarily boost one's ego, it can have detrimental long-term effects on social relationships and reputation.

What is a potential negative consequence of consistent bragging, according to the study?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: It can damage social relationships and reputation.

The passage explicitly states that bragging 'can have detrimental long-term effects on social relationships and reputation,' directly answering the question.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: It can damage social relationships and reputation.

The passage explicitly states that bragging 'can have detrimental long-term effects on social relationships and reputation,' directly answering the question.

sentence order C1

Toca las palabras de abajo para formar la oración
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: He had a tendency to brag about his achievements

This order forms a coherent sentence describing a person's tendency to boast.

sentence order C1

Toca las palabras de abajo para formar la oración
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: His habit to constantly brag was considered quite irritating

This order correctly describes someone's annoying habit of bragging.

sentence order C1

Toca las palabras de abajo para formar la oración
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: He would often brag about his wealth despite his humble origins

This order contrasts his humble beginnings with his current boasting about wealth.

multiple choice C2

Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies a 'bragging' behavior?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: A speaker repeatedly emphasizes their numerous accolades and accomplishments during a presentation.

Bragging involves excessive self-praise, often to impress others. A speaker repeatedly highlighting their achievements fits this definition.

multiple choice C2

Which word is an antonym for 'brag' in the context of self-presentation?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Modest

To 'brag' is to speak with excessive pride, while 'modest' implies a humble assessment of one's abilities or achievements, making it an antonym.

multiple choice C2

In a formal context, which phrase would be a more appropriate and less 'bragging' way to describe one's achievements?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: I've had the privilege of contributing to several successful projects.

This option expresses involvement and success without excessive self-aggrandizement, making it suitable for a formal, non-bragging context.

true false C2

A person who is genuinely confident in their abilities and shares their achievements with others is always bragging.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Falso

Sharing achievements can be a healthy expression of confidence or excitement. Bragging implies excessive pride and a desire to impress, which isn't always the case with confident individuals.

true false C2

The primary intent behind bragging is often to solicit admiration and elevate one's social standing.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Verdadero

Bragging is typically driven by a desire for external validation and to showcase one's perceived superiority to others.

true false C2

It is always appropriate to 'brag' about one's achievements if those achievements are genuinely impressive.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Falso

Even genuinely impressive achievements can be presented in a way that comes across as arrogant or off-putting if the tone is 'bragging'. Humility is often valued.

listening C2

The word 'bragging' is used to describe a behavior.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Her constant bragging about her new promotion became quite tiresome to her colleagues.
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening C2

The sentence discusses someone's possessions.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: He couldn't help but brag about his meticulously curated art collection during the gallery opening.
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening C2

The sentence talks about an individual's abilities.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Despite his undeniable talent, his tendency to brag often overshadowed his accomplishments.
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking C2

Read this aloud:

Try to rephrase this sentence without using the word 'brag': 'She would often brag about her exceptional grades.'

Focus: rephrase

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking C2

Read this aloud:

Describe a situation where someone's bragging might be considered acceptable or even humorous.

Focus: acceptable, humorous

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking C2

Read this aloud:

Discuss the fine line between confidently sharing achievements and outright bragging.

Focus: confidently, achievements, outright

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
sentence order C2

Toca las palabras de abajo para formar la oración
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Despite her overtly humble demeanor, her constant references to her academic achievements were perceived as a subtle brag.

The sentence describes someone who appears humble but subtly boasts about achievements.

sentence order C2

Toca las palabras de abajo para formar la oración
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: His insufferable bragging about his recent promotion alienated many of his colleagues who felt their own efforts were undermined.

The sentence illustrates how excessive boasting can negatively impact professional relationships.

sentence order C2

Toca las palabras de abajo para formar la oración
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: She couldn't help but brag about her perfect score on the exam, even though it made some of her friends feel inadequate.

This sentence shows the natural tendency to boast, even if it has negative social consequences.

/ 132 correct

Perfect score!

Contenido relacionado

Más palabras de Communication

aah

A1

Es una exclamación que haces cuando te sientes aliviado, contento o feliz. A veces, también se usa para expresar dolor o sorpresa.

accentuate

C1

To make a particular feature of something more noticeable or prominent. It is frequently used to describe how one thing emphasizes the beauty, importance, or intensity of another.

acknowledgment

B2

An acknowledgment is the act of accepting or admitting that something is true, or a formal statement confirming that something has been received. It can also refer to a public expression of thanks for someone's help or contribution.

actually

B1

Actually is used to emphasize that something is a real fact or the truth, often contrasting with what was thought or said. It can also be used to introduce a surprising piece of information or to gently correct someone.

address

A2

Dirigirse a alguien directamente o encargarse de un problema. También se usa al dar un discurso o escribir una dirección en una carta.

addressee

B2

The person or organization to whom a letter, package, or message is addressed. It refers to the intended recipient of a piece of communication.

adlocment

C1

Describes a style of communication or behavior that is formal, directed, and oratorical in nature, specifically pertaining to a public address or a declamatory speech. It is used to characterize language that is intentionally designed to be heard by an audience for the purpose of instruction or inspiration.

adloctude

C1

Un estilo de comunicación formal y directo. Se percibe como alguien accesible pero que mantiene una clara autoridad en su trato.

admonish

C1

To firmly warn or reprimand someone for their behavior, or to advise someone earnestly to do or avoid something. It often implies a sense of moral guidance or authoritative concern rather than just anger.

adpassant

C1

To mention or address a secondary topic briefly and incidentally while focused on a primary task or discussion. It describes an action that occurs seamlessly 'in passing' without disrupting the main narrative or workflow.

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