The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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inflate

verb

/ɪnˈfleɪt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of inflate

To increase or expand the size, volume, or quantity of something, often by introducing air or gas.
"The company tried to inflate its sales figures to attract investors."

Detailed meaning of inflate

It can involve physically filling an object or space to make it larger, such as inflating a balloon, tire, or air mattress. Additionally, "inflate" can also describe the act of increasing the value, cost, or price of something artificially, typically through manipulation or exaggeration. In an economic context, it may refer to inflating prices or currency, resulting in a decrease in purchasing power. Inflating can also be used metaphorically to describe the amplification or exaggeration of emotions, statements, or information, often to make them appear more significant or important than they truly are. Overall, "inflate" denotes the act of expanding, enlarging, or increasing something physically, quantitatively, or conceptually.

Example sentences containing inflate

1. They used a pump to inflate the balloons for the party.
2. The company's advertising campaign aimed to inflate sales figures.
3. The athlete took a deep breath to inflate his lungs before the race.
4. The government's economic policies are likely to inflate the national debt.
5. My brother always tries to inflate his achievements to impress others.
6. The air mattress was easy to inflate with the help of an electric pump.

History and etymology of inflate

The verb 'inflate' has its etymological origins in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'inflare,' formed by combining 'in' (meaning 'into') and 'flare' (meaning 'to blow'). Thus, the etymology of 'inflate' essentially means 'to blow into.' Originally, it was used in the context of introducing air or gas into something to increase its size or volume, such as inflating a balloon. Over time, the term's meaning expanded to include the broader concept of increasing the size, volume, or quantity of something, not limited to just inflating with air, as we understand it in contemporary language.

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Further usage examples of inflate

1. The politician attempted to inflate the importance of his role in the decision-making process.
2. The tire pressure was too low, so I had to inflate it at the gas station.
3. The swimmer took a big gulp of air to inflate his buoyancy as he dove into the pool.
4. The speaker tried to inflate the significance of his research findings during the conference.
5. The government's decision to print more money will only inflate prices further.
6. We used a bicycle pump to inflate the basketball for our game.
7. The hot air balloon slowly started to inflate as the burners heated the air inside.
8. The real estate agent tried to inflate the value of the property to secure a higher commission.
9. The chef used a culinary technique to inflate the pastry dough, creating light and airy pastries.
10. The company's promotional campaign exaggerated the benefits of their product to inflate sales.
11. She used a pump to inflate the colorful balloons for the party.
12. The athlete needed to inflate the tires on his bicycle before the race.
13. The news of the promotion seemed to inflate her ego even more.
14. The government decided to inflate the currency to stimulate the economy.
15. The financial bubble burst when investors realized it was artificially inflated.
16. Inhaling helium made his voice comically inflate to a high pitch.
17. They had to inflate the life raft quickly when their boat started sinking.
18. The real estate market in the city continued to inflate, driving up prices.
19. The air mattress took just a few minutes to inflate fully.
20. He tried to inflate his importance by dropping famous names.
21. The chef used yeast to inflate the dough and make it rise.
22. The company used misleading marketing to inflate their product's value.
23. She wanted to inflate her social media followers to gain influence.
24. The hot air balloon began to inflate as the flames roared.
25. The government's decision to inflate the budget caused controversy.
26. The tire pressure gauge indicated that the tires needed to be inflated.
27. The magician could inflate balloons without using his mouth.
28. The economic bubble burst when the housing market became inflated.
29. The conspiracy theory began to inflate with wild speculations.
30. The balloon animals started to inflate as the clown twisted and turned.