Inflate: meaning, definitions and examples

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inflate

[ ɪnˈfleɪt ]

^{Context #1}

balloon

To fill with air or gas so that it becomes larger in size.

Synonyms

blow up, expand, puff up

Examples of usage

The children love to inflate balloons for the party.
He used a pump to inflate the tires of the bicycle.

^{Context #2}

exaggerate

To make something appear larger or more important than it really is.

Synonyms

embellish, exaggerate, overstate

Examples of usage

She tends to inflate her achievements when talking to others.
The salesman tried to inflate the value of the car.

^{Context #3}

increase

To increase the value, cost, or size of something.

Synonyms

boost, escalate, raise

Examples of usage

The company decided to inflate the prices of their products.
The government has been accused of inflating the unemployment figures.

Translations

Translations of the word "inflate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inflar

🇮🇳 फुलाना

🇩🇪 aufblasen

🇮🇩 mengembangkan

🇺🇦 надувати

🇵🇱 nadmuchać

🇯🇵 膨らます (ふくらます)

🇫🇷 gonfler

🇪🇸 inflar

🇹🇷 şişirmek

🇰🇷 부풀리다

🇸🇦 ينفخ

🇨🇿 nafouknout

🇸🇰 nafúknuť

🇨🇳 充气 (chōngqì)

🇸🇮 napihniti

🇮🇸 blása upp

🇰🇿 үрлеу

🇬🇪 გაბერვა

🇦🇿 şişirtmək

🇲🇽 inflar

Word origin

The word 'inflate' originated in the late Middle English period, from the Latin word 'inflare' which means 'to blow into'. The concept of making something larger or increasing its value has been associated with this word throughout history. Over time, 'inflate' has been used in various contexts, from inflating balloons to inflating prices or numbers. It continues to be a versatile word in the English language with both literal and metaphorical meanings.