Boastive

/ˈboʊstɪv/ adjective

Definition

Characterized by or inclined to boasting; given to bragging or exaggeration about one's abilities.

Etymology

From 'boast' plus the adjective-forming suffix '-ive,' which means 'tending to do' or 'characterized by.' Similar formations: 'creative,' 'native,' 'passive.'

Kelly Says

The suffix '-ive' is deeply Latin, but we attach it to Germanic roots like 'boast' all the time. This shows how English is a hybrid language—at the grammatical level, it's mashing together different language families constantly.

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