What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fluffed
Example
She fluffed the pillows on the couch before sitting down. [fluffed: verb]
Example
Her hair was fluffed up with hairspray and teasing. [fluffed up: phrasal verb]
Example
He fluffed his resume to make himself seem more qualified. [fluffed: past tense]
inflated
Example
The balloon was inflated until it was almost too big to hold. [inflated: verb]
Example
His inflated sense of importance made it difficult to work with him. [inflated: adjective]
Example
The company's stock price was artificially inflated by false advertising. [inflated: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Inflated is more commonly used than fluffed in everyday language, especially in the figurative sense. Inflated is often used to describe egos, prices, or values that have been artificially raised beyond their true worth, while fluffed is less common and typically used to describe physical objects like pillows or hair.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fluffed and inflated?
Both fluffed and inflated are informal words that are suitable for casual conversations or writing. However, inflated may be more commonly used in formal settings, such as business or academic contexts, due to its association with financial or economic concepts.
