In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the word similar in meaning to the word given: Boast.

Introduction / Context:
This synonym question asks you to select the word that is closest in meaning to boast. Vocabulary questions of this type test your ability to connect a given word with another common English word that has a similar sense, especially in terms of attitude or behaviour.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: Boast.
• Options: Avoid, Change, Rely, Pride.
• We need to choose the option whose core meaning is closest to that of boast.
• We assume the usual meaning of boast: talk with excessive pride and self satisfaction about one's achievements, possessions or abilities.

Concept / Approach:
As a verb, boast means to speak proudly, often in a way that may sound like showing off. A related noun is boasting. The noun pride can describe a feeling of satisfaction derived from one's own achievements or qualities. In some contexts, pride can be neutral or positive, but in the sense of boast, it reflects an attitude of self importance. The other options, avoid, change and rely, describe different actions and have no direct relationship to the idea of talking proudly about oneself.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Think of a simple sentence: “He likes to boast about his success.” This means he likes to talk proudly about it.Option Avoid means to stay away from something, unrelated to boasting.Option Change means to make or become different, also unrelated.Option Rely means to depend on something or someone with trust.Option Pride can be used as a verb phrase take pride in, meaning feel proud of. In the sense of boasting, pride is the only word associated with proud feeling and self regard.Therefore, Pride is the closest in meaning to Boast among the given choices.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider: “He boasted about his victory” and “He took pride in his victory.” While boast suggests a more showy, perhaps excessive display, both sentences involve a strong sense of pride in achievements. In synonym questions, you must pick the closest available option, even if the match is not perfect in every context. Pride is clearly that option here.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Avoid has no connection with speaking proudly; it refers to keeping away from something. Change is about alteration, not about attitude to one's achievements. Rely is about dependence or trust, used in phrases like rely on friends, and does not share the core idea of boasting. Only Pride carries the notion of self satisfaction with achievement, especially when used in expressions such as pride oneself on or take pride in.

Common Pitfalls:
Sometimes students look for a direct verb verb synonym and feel uncertain choosing a noun like pride. However, exam questions sometimes mix parts of speech when testing basic vocabulary. Focus on the central meaning rather than strict grammatical form. When you see Boast and have to choose among Avoid, Change, Rely and Pride, the only one in the semantic field of self satisfaction and showing off is Pride.

Final Answer:
The word similar in meaning to “Boast” is Pride (as in to take pride in, to feel proud of).