Puffiness: meaning, definitions and examples

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puffiness

[ˈpʌfiˈnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

appearance

The state or quality of being puffy or swollen, especially in the face or body.

Synonyms

bloating, inflammation, swelling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
puffiness	Another entry for 'puffiness' is not necessary as it's already defined above. See the first entry.
swelling	A broad term describing an increase in size due to accumulation of fluid or inflammation; can be used in various contexts from injury to medical conditions. The swelling on her ankle went down after she applied ice. His face showed signs of swelling after the allergic reaction.
bloating	Generally refers to an uncomfortable feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdominal area, often due to gas or digestive issues. Eating too quickly can cause bloating. She felt a sense of bloating after the rich meal.
inflammation	Describes a body's immune response to injury or infection, resulting in redness, heat, pain, and swelling. Often used in medical contexts. The doctor stated that the redness was a sign of inflammation. Inflammation of the joints can lead to chronic pain.

Examples of usage

The puffiness around her eyes indicated she had not slept well.
After a long flight, he noticed a slight puffiness in his ankles.
The doctor prescribed medication to reduce the puffiness in her cheeks.
The puffiness in her fingers made it difficult for her to grasp objects.
Her face showed signs of puffiness due to the allergic reaction.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

texture

The soft, swollen appearance or texture of something, such as a cushion or pillow.

Synonyms

cushiness, fluffiness, softness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
puffiness	This word is commonly used to describe swollen or bloated areas, often in medical or health-related contexts. It conveys a sense of something being unusually large or round due to swelling. She noticed the puffiness around her eyes after a sleepless night. The doctor prescribed medication to reduce the puffiness in his ankles.
softness	Softness refers broadly to a gentle texture that is pleasant to touch, feel, or experience. It can describe physical sensations, emotional tone, or even sound. The softness of the blanket made bedtime feel extra cozy. The softness in her voice calmed everyone in the room.
fluffiness	This term usually refers to something light, airy, and soft. It is often used when describing textures, such as in food, clothes, or animals. The cat's fluffiness made it irresistible to cuddle. She loved the fluffiness of freshly baked muffins.
cushiness	This term is used to describe something that is very comfortable, easy, or offers a lot of comfort and support. It is often associated with luxurious or favorable conditions. The cushiness of the new sofa made it the perfect spot for an afternoon nap. He enjoyed the cushiness of his job, which required little effort for a high salary.

Examples of usage

The puffiness of the pillow made it comfortable to rest on.
She loved the puffiness of the marshmallows in her hot chocolate.
The baby blanket had a gentle puffiness that made it perfect for snuggling.
Her jacket had a slight puffiness that provided extra warmth.
The pastry had a delicious puffiness that melted in her mouth.

Interesting Facts

Health

Puffiness often affects the areas around the eyes, sometimes called 'baggy eyes', caused by fatigue or allergies.
Certain foods, especially salty ones, can lead to puffiness as the body retains extra water to balance out the salt levels.

Cosmetic Science

Many skincare products aim to reduce puffiness, particularly around the eyes, by using ingredients like caffeine and aloe vera.
Cold compresses or ice packs are commonly recommended to alleviate puffiness because they constrict blood vessels, reducing swelling.

Psychology

Research suggests that facial puffiness can affect how others perceive your emotions, potentially making you seem less alert.
Feeling self-conscious about puffiness can impact self-esteem, particularly in social situations.

Cultural References

In cartoons and animations, characters with exaggerated puffiness often convey humor or express exaggerated emotions.
The term 'puffy' can also relate to fashion, referring to certain styles of jackets or clothing that are filled for warmth and volume.

Beauty Standards

In contrast to puffiness, many beauty standards prefer a contoured, less 'puffy' appearance, influencing makeup and skincare trends.
The phenomenon of puffy cheeks in babies is often seen as cute, leading to a cultural appreciation for that natural plumpness.

Translations

Translations of the word "puffiness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inchaço

🇮🇳 सूजन

🇩🇪 Schwellung

🇮🇩 pembengkakan

🇺🇦 набряк

🇵🇱 obrzęk

🇯🇵 むくみ

🇫🇷 gonflement

🇪🇸 hinchazón

🇹🇷 şişlik

🇰🇷 부기

🇸🇦 تورم

🇨🇿 otok

🇸🇰 opuch

🇨🇳 肿胀

🇸🇮 oteklina

🇮🇸 bólga

🇰🇿 ісіну

🇬🇪 შეშუპება

🇦🇿 şişkinlik

🇲🇽 hinchazón

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,313, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

...
36310 stretchy
36311 swilling
36312 coulee
36313 puffiness
36314 cocooned
36315 sitar
36316 cozen
...