What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
deflate
Example
He had to deflate the balloon before putting it away. [deflate: verb]
Example
The tire deflated quickly after hitting a sharp rock. [deflated: past tense]
Example
The team's loss in the championship game deflated their confidence. [deflated: adjective]
reduce
Example
We need to reduce our expenses to save money. [reduce: verb]
Example
The medication helped to reduce the pain in her knee. [reduce: verb]
Example
The company plans to reduce the number of steps in the hiring process. [reduce: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Reduce is more commonly used than deflate in everyday language. Reduce is a versatile word that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while deflate is less common and has a more specific meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between deflate and reduce?
Reduce is a more formal word than deflate. While reduce can be used in both formal and informal contexts, deflate is typically used in informal or conversational settings.