What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
billowed
Example
The sails billowed in the strong wind, propelling the boat forward. [billowed: verb]
Example
Thick smoke billowed from the burning building, obscuring the view. [billowed: past tense]
balloon
Example
The children played with colorful balloons at the birthday party. [balloons: noun]
Example
The company's profits ballooned after the successful product launch. [ballooned: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Balloon is more commonly used than billowed in everyday language. Balloon is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, such as parties, decorations, or describing rapid growth. Billowed, on the other hand, is less common and is more specific to certain situations involving the movement or expansion of fabric, smoke, or steam.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between billowed and balloon?
Both billowed and balloon are generally used in informal contexts. However, billowed may be more commonly used in technical or specialized fields, such as sailing or meteorology, while balloon is more commonly used in everyday conversations and informal writing.
