Vauntingly

Vauntingly is an adverb that describes the act of speaking or behaving in a boastful, self-important, and arrogant manner. It implies an excessive display of pride, often with the intention of impressing others or belittling them. The individual might be drawing attention to their achievements, possessions, or perceived superiority, often exaggerating their significance. The behavior is frequently perceived as pretentious and can come across as offensive or irritating, as it disregards modesty and humility. It is an attitude of conceit or ostentation that lacks grace, and can be driven by insecurity despite the appearance of confidence. It's about self-aggrandizement, highlighting one's own accomplishments or positive traits while, implicitly or explicitly, placing others in a less favorable light.

Vauntingly meaning with examples

• The victorious general, fresh from the battlefield, vauntingly described his tactical brilliance to the assembled crowd, exaggerating the enemy's weaknesses and taking full credit for the victory. He even boasted about the lavish rewards he expected to receive for his courageous leadership, making the actual soldiers' contributions feel overlooked. The other officers cringed at the spectacle, aware that such self-promotion would cause discord.
• Despite the project's team-based nature, the lead developer vauntingly took the credit for its success at the company meeting. He showcased his expertise in the code and downplayed the crucial work of his colleagues. Everyone else was very offended. The boss, noticing the bad morale, quietly reminded him of their collaborative effort and the value of teamwork, a contrast to his egotistical display.
• The celebrity, dripping in diamonds and designer clothes, vauntingly discussed her luxurious lifestyle in an interview, detailing her private jet and multiple vacation homes. She mocked the public for their struggles. The interviewer, attempting to balance things, gently nudged her to mention her philanthropic work, realizing that she had focused too much on superficial things and caused a negative audience reaction.
• The athlete, after winning the competition, vauntingly claimed his victory was inevitable, belittling his competitors' skills and resilience. He stated that his training and natural talent had brought him success. He went on to criticize his opponents' approach to the sport, claiming he always knew they were going to lose. This was not well received, and the media reported on his poor sportsmanship.