Question

In "The Star-Spangled Banner," the British are said to "vauntingly" swear that the Americans will lose the battle and their nation. Why does Key use "vauntingly"?
He thinks they are frightening.
He thinks they are overconfident.
He thinks their navy is not as powerful.
He thinks their hatred of America comes from their lack of liberty.

Answer 1

He thinks they are overconfident,
Let me know if it was wrong

Answer 2

The correct answer is "He thinks they are overconfident."

The word vauntingly comes from the verb vaunt, which means to "to boast or praise excessively". This may well describe the current scenario during the early years of the Revolutionary War, as the British exercised complete control over the colonies. They had the military advantage and support from the Royal Army. This could have let them be overconfident of the outcome of an eventual conflict.