Inflate
/ɪnˈfleɪt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo fill something with air or gas, causing it to expand.
/ɪnˈfleɪt/
To fill with air or gas.
The mechanic inflated the tires on the car.
💡 Simply: Think of blowing up a balloon or a tire. When you add air, you're inflating it, making it bigger!
👶 For kids: To fill something with air, like a balloon or a tire.
More Examples
The company inflated the prices of their products.
He inflated the numbers to make the sales report look better.
How It's Used
"He inflated the balloon before the party."
"The coach inflated the basketball before the game."
To increase or exaggerate something, often beyond its true value or size.
/ɪnˈfleɪt/
To increase something, especially prices or value.
The government's policies led to the inflation of the national debt.
💡 Simply: Like when prices go up, or someone is bragging – they're inflating things, making them bigger than they really are.
👶 For kids: To make something seem bigger or more important than it really is.
More Examples
She inflated her accomplishments to impress her friends.
The scandal inflated the political controversy.
How It's Used
"Inflation inflated the cost of living."
"The company inflated their sales figures."
Synonyms
From Latin inflatus, past participle of inflare ('to blow into, swell'), from in- ('in, into') + flare ('to blow').
The word 'inflate' has been used since the 16th century, initially with the meaning of 'to swell up with air'. Its economic meaning developed later.
Memory tip
Imagine blowing air *in* a balloon; *in*flate.