Boost Meaning
/buːst/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounA push from behind or below, as to one who is endeavoring to climb.
nounSomething that helps, or adds power or effectiveness; assistance.
Sentence Examples
I think I can reach the branch if you'll give me a boost.
Finance Ministry officials tried to boost confidence in recovery.
CEFR Practice Quiz
Drinking coffee can give you a temporary energy ____ in the morning.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The success of the project gave a great ____ to the team's morale.
Word Origin & History
Unknown. The verb is first recorded 1815; the noun, 1825. Compare Scots boost (“to move; drive off; shoo away”), bost, boast (“to threaten; scold”), Middle English boosten, bosten (“to threaten”). Possible doublet of boast.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Gaddis found that with his broken arm, he couldn't climb the wall. Josh grabbed his foot and boosted him up."
— 2009, Richard L. Cave, Peace Keepers, page 39:
"As unsatisfied with wafty promises that arts learning inspires “creativity” as with pledges that it boosts scores, the Project Zero researchers videotaped several very different classrooms in two schools with intensive arts instruction."
— 2008 April 27, Ann Hulbert, “Drawing Lessons”, in The New York Times:
"More flak was aimed at the Treasury's apparent lack of marketing skills, when it was argued that its idea of how to sell tickets was along the lines of "you can get two tickets for the price of two", and it lacks the sales and promotional skills of the train operating companies which are needed to boost revenue."
— 2022 January 12, Tom Allett, “Network News: MPs concerned at Treasury's influence on rail industry”, in RAIL, number 948, page 13:
"“ A god of blues . Have you got them , Doctor ? " " Boost him sir , boost him . “ ” “ He thinks ! Shall we let him ponder ? ” “ He only calls . What have you , Doctor ? Three ducks , ' tis yours . The Doctor pulls the wad without a ..."
— 1910, The Gopher: Annual Publication of the Student Body of the University of Minnesota, volume 24, University of Minnesota, →OCLC, page 228:
"It is not at all unusual or suspicious for a woman to spend a good deal of the day out shopping, and feminine clothing styles often make it relatively easy for a female shoplifter to conceal "boosted" merchandise on her person."
— 1978, Harold J. Vetter, Ira J. Silverman, The Nature of Crime, page 296:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Drinking coffee can give you a temporary energy ____ in the morning.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The success of the project gave a great ____ to the team's morale.