boost
boost
Boost (noun) means something that helps increase or improve a person's effort, confidence, or performance. Example: “A kind word from her coach was just the boost she needed before the race.”
noun
1
Something that helps increase or improve a person's effort, confidence, or performance.
"A kind word from her coach was just the boost she needed before the race."
"The sunny weekend gave local cafes a welcome boost."
"Winning the small contract gave her confidence a huge boost."
verb
1
To help increase or improve something.
"Eating a good breakfast can boost your energy levels throughout the morning."
"The discount was meant to boost sales before the holidays."
"A good night's sleep can boost your concentration the next day."
2
To start a vehicle with a dead battery using jumper cables (informal).
"My neighbour kindly boosted my van this morning when it wouldn't start."
"If your battery is dead, you can boost it using cables from another car."
"Can you boost my car? The battery's completely flat."
How to use boost
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo lift, increase, or improve something — or a jump in confidence, performance, or sales.
Common pairings
boost morale
boost sales
give a boost
confidence boost
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Word forms
- Plural
- boosts
- Third person singular
- boosts
- Past tense
- boosted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A kind word from her coach was just the _____ she needed before the race.
Etymology
Origin uncertain; the verb first appears in English around 1815, possibly related to an older Scots word meaning "to shove or push."
Class of 1815
boost joined the language around 1815.
See the full Class of 1815 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for boost
See all rhymes for boost →Frequently asked questions
What does “boost” mean?
The word “boost” means something that helps increase or improve a person's effort, confidence, or performance. In plain terms, to lift, increase, or improve something — or a jump in confidence, performance, or sales.
How do you pronounce “boost”?
“Boost” is pronounced boost (/buːst/ in IPA).
How do you use “boost” in a sentence?
Here is “boost” used in a sentence: “Winning the small contract gave her confidence a huge boost.”
What part of speech is “boost”?
Depending on how it is used, “boost” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “boost” come from?
The word “boost” dates back to around 1815. Origin uncertain; the verb first appears in English around 1815, possibly related to an older Scots word meaning "to shove or push.".
Is “boost” a common word?
“Boost” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “boost” have?
“Boost” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: something that helps increase or improve a person's effort, confidence, or performance.
What is an example of a boost?
Praise from a manager can give an employee a boost, lifting their confidence and effort. Other examples include a coffee giving you an energy boost, good news boosting morale, or a discount boosting sales. In each case, the boost is the extra push that raises something upward.
What is the difference between a boost and an increase?
An increase is simply something becoming greater in amount. A boost is a helpful push that causes improvement, usually with a positive, encouraging feel. A price increase can be unwelcome, but a "confidence boost" or "sales boost" suggests a welcome lift. Boosts help; increases just describe more of something.
Is boost a positive word?
Yes. "Boost" almost always carries a positive sense — it means help, improvement, or encouragement. A boost in morale, energy, or performance is something desirable. Even as a verb, "to boost" means to raise or improve. It is a naturally upbeat word suggesting that things are getting better.
What are common types of boost?
People often speak of a confidence boost, a morale boost, an energy boost, and a sales or economic boost. In technology, a boost can mean extra power or signal strength. All share the same idea: an added lift that raises effort, performance, mood, or output above its previous level.
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