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Deflated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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deflated

[dษชหˆfleษชtษชd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

feeling disheartened, discouraged, or lacking in energy or enthusiasm

Synonyms

demoralized, discouraged, downtrodden.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
deflated

Used when someone feels suddenly less confident or enthusiastic, usually after receiving bad news or experiencing failure.

  • After hearing his idea was rejected, John looked completely deflated
discouraged

Best used when someone feels less motivated or has lost the will to continue due to difficulties or repeated failures.

  • She felt discouraged after her application was denied again
demoralized

Appropriate for situations where someone's spirit or confidence is severely damaged over time or after a significant hardship.

  • The team became demoralized after losing their fifth game in a row
downtrodden

This word has a more negative and serious connotation, commonly used to describe people who are oppressed or treated unfairly over a long period.

  • The downtrodden population finally rose up against their oppressors

Examples of usage

  • After receiving the rejection letter, she felt deflated and unmotivated.
  • The team looked deflated after losing the championship game.
Context #2 | Adjective

physical

reduced in size or volume as a result of air or gas being removed

Synonyms

collapsed, flattened, shrunk.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
deflated

Usually used to describe something that was once inflated, such as a balloon or tire, and is now reduced in volume or pressure. Can also be used metaphorically to describe a loss of confidence or spirit.

  • The balloon deflated after a few hours
  • He seemed deflated after hearing the bad news
collapsed

Typically used in scenarios where something falls down or falls apart suddenly, such as a building or structure. It can also describe sudden physical or emotional breakdown.

  • The old bridge collapsed under the weight
  • After working non-stop for days, she collapsed from exhaustion
shrunk

Generally used when something becomes smaller in size, often due to water or heat. It can be applied to physical objects or metaphorically to indicate reduced importance or volume.

  • My sweater shrunk in the wash
  • The market for typewriters has shrunk over the years
flattened

Used to describe when something has been pressed or made flat, losing its original shape. Often used for objects or land but can also describe someone's figurative defeat.

  • The cardboard box was flattened for recycling
  • The team was flattened in the final match

Examples of usage

  • The deflated balloon lay on the floor.
  • The tire was completely deflated and needed to be replaced.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Feeling deflated can describe emotional states, like disappointment when expectations aren't met.
  • Researchers link the feeling of being 'deflated' to lost motivation or confidence after setbacks.
  • In therapy, resolving these feelings often involves rebuilding self-esteem and positive outlooks.

Pop Culture

  • The term gained popularity in sports when referring to a team that loses its momentum or spirit.
  • In movies and books, characters often feel deflated after facing challenges, symbolizing vulnerability.
  • Popular songs may use 'deflated' to express heartbreak or lost dreams, creating deep emotional connections.

Science

  • Deflation is a key concept in physics, especially related to pressure and gas laws.
  • In environmental science, deflation refers to the removal of fine particles by wind, affecting landscapes.
  • The process is important in understanding ballooning dynamics, such as how hot air balloons work.

Literature

  • Authors often use 'deflated' as a metaphor for characters experiencing a fall from grace or realization.
  • Dystopian novels frequently feature societies that feel 'deflated' from hope, depicting bleak futures.
  • In poetry, the word can evoke strong imagery of loss, nostalgia, or unfulfilled desires.

Origin of 'deflated'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'deflare', meaning 'to blow away or let out air'.
  • It first appeared in English in the early 20th century, often related to tires or balloons.
  • The prefix 'de-' signifies removal or reversal, while 'inflate' means to fill with air.

The word 'deflated' originates from the Latin word 'deflare', which means 'to blow away'. In English, it first appeared in the early 17th century with the meaning 'to let the air out of', particularly in reference to balloons or tires. Over time, the figurative sense of feeling disheartened or lacking energy also became associated with the term, reflecting the idea of deflation in a non-physical sense.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,899, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.