Bloating: meaning, definitions and examples

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bloating

 

[ ˈbloʊtɪŋ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

feeling of fullness and tightness in the abdomen

Bloating is a common condition that refers to a feeling of fullness, tightness, or distension in the abdomen. It is often accompanied by gas, discomfort, and sometimes pain. Bloating can be caused by various factors such as overeating, gas production, or digestive issues.

Synonyms

abdominal distension, puffiness, swelling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bloating

Bloating typically describes the uncomfortable sensation in the stomach area where it feels full and tight, often due to gas. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and informal settings.

  • After eating that huge meal, I'm feeling so much bloating.
  • She's experiencing bloating, especially after consuming dairy products.
abdominal distension

Abdominal distension is a more clinical term used to describe the swelling of the abdomen, often used by healthcare professionals or in medical contexts.

  • The patient presents with abdominal distension and discomfort.
  • Abdominal distension can be a symptom of various gastrointestinal disorders.
swelling

Swelling is a broad term used to describe any part of the body that becomes larger than its normal size due to fluid accumulation. It can be used in both medical and informal contexts.

  • He has swelling in his ankle after the injury.
  • Swelling of the hands is a common side effect of this medication.
puffiness

Puffiness is often used to describe swelling, particularly in the face or under the eyes, rather than the abdomen. It can refer to a general feeling of being swollen and is often used in casual conversation.

  • She noticed some puffiness around her eyes when she woke up.
  • Puffiness can be caused by lack of sleep or high salt intake.

Examples of usage

  • After eating a large meal, she experienced bloating and discomfort.
  • He suffered from bloating after consuming dairy products.
  • The bloating in her abdomen made her feel uncomfortable and self-conscious.
Context #2 | Verb

to cause abdominal distension and discomfort

To bloat means to cause abdominal distension and discomfort, often due to gas buildup or overeating. When someone bloats, their abdomen may feel full and tight, leading to discomfort and sometimes pain.

Synonyms

distend, inflate, swell.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bloating

Use this when referring to an uncomfortable feeling in the abdomen, usually due to gas or digestive issues.

  • After eating too fast, she felt a lot of bloating.
  • The doctor said that bloating can sometimes be caused by certain foods.
inflate

This is commonly used for objects like balloons or tires, but can also metaphorically describe exaggerated emotions or ideas.

  • He had to inflate the balloon for the party.
  • Don't let the praise inflate your ego too much.
swell

Commonly used to describe the process of becoming larger due to injury, fluid retention, or other physical changes. It can also be used metaphorically.

  • Her ankle began to swell after she twisted it.
  • His pride swelled after receiving the award.
distend

This is more formal and scientific, often used in medical settings to describe the swelling or expansion of an organ or body part.

  • The patient’s abdomen began to distend after the surgery.
  • The doctor noticed the veins starting to distend.

Examples of usage

  • Eating too quickly can bloat the stomach and cause discomfort.
  • The beans she ate bloated her abdomen and made her feel uneasy.
  • If you bloat frequently, it may be a sign of digestive issues.

Translations

Translations of the word "bloating" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inchaço

🇮🇳 फूलना

🇩🇪 Blähungen

🇮🇩 kembung

🇺🇦 здуття

🇵🇱 wzdęcie

🇯🇵 膨満

🇫🇷 ballonnement

🇪🇸 hinchazón

🇹🇷 şişkinlik

🇰🇷 팽창

🇸🇦 انتفاخ

🇨🇿 nadýmání

🇸🇰 nafukovanie

🇨🇳 腹胀

🇸🇮 napihnjenost

🇮🇸 uppþemba

🇰🇿 кебу

🇬🇪 შებერილობა

🇦🇿 şişkinlik

🇲🇽 hinchazón

Etymology

The word 'bloating' originated from the Old Norse word 'blautr,' meaning 'swollen.' It has been used in English since the late 14th century to describe the condition of being swollen or puffed up. Over time, 'bloating' has become commonly associated with the feeling of fullness and discomfort in the abdomen.

See also: bloat, bloated.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,626, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.