inflate

[ɪnˈfleɪt]

inflate Definition

• 1. to fill something with air or gas so that it becomes larger, often causing it to become stiff or tight
• 2. to increase the value or price of something, especially by an excessive amount
• 3. to make something seem more important or impressive than it really is

Using inflate: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "inflate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  She inflated the balloon until it burst.

• Example

  The company inflated the prices of their products during the holiday season.

• Example

  He tends to inflate his accomplishments on his resume.

• Example

  The politician inflated the numbers to make it seem like he had more support.

inflate Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for inflate

• swell
• expand
• blow up
• puff up
• boost

Antonyms for inflate

• deflate
• shrink
• reduce

Idioms Using inflate

• inflate like a balloon

  to rapidly increase in size or amount

  Example

  The company's profits inflated like a balloon after they introduced the new product line.

• inflate the numbers

  to exaggerate or manipulate data or statistics to make them seem more favorable

  Example

  The school district was caught inflating the numbers to make it seem like their students were performing better than they actually were.

• inflate someone's head

  to give someone an exaggerated sense of self-importance

  Example

  His parents always praised him excessively, which inflated his head and made him arrogant.

Phrases with inflate

• inflate one's ego

  to make oneself feel more important or superior than others

  Example

  He always talks about his achievements to inflate his ego.

• inflate a tire

  to add air to a tire to bring it to the recommended pressure level

  Example

  I need to inflate my bike tire before I go for a ride.

• inflate a currency

  to increase the value of a currency in relation to other currencies

  Example

  The government decided to inflate the currency to boost exports.

Origins of inflate

from Latin 'inflare', meaning 'to blow into'

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Summary: inflate in Brief

The verb 'inflate' [ɪnˈfleɪt] means to fill something with air or gas, increase the value or price of something, or make something seem more important than it really is. It can refer to physical objects like balloons or tires, as well as abstract concepts like egos or statistics. Examples include 'She inflated the balloon until it burst,' and 'The politician inflated the numbers to make it seem like he had more support.'