ballooning
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /bəˈluːnɪŋ/
KK: /bəlunɪŋ/
adjective
Definition
Increasing in size or height quickly, similar to how a balloon expands or rises.
Example
The ballooning clouds signaled an approaching storm.
Conversation
Have you seen how ballooning prices are getting lately?
Yes, it's crazy! Everything seems to be going up so fast.
I know, right? It feels like we can't keep up with the ballooning costs.
Exactly! We should probably start budgeting more carefully.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
expanding
inflating
soaring
Antonyms
contracting
descending
shrinking
noun
Definition
The activity of flying in a balloon, often for recreation or sport.
Example
She enjoys ballooning on weekends, soaring high above the countryside.
Conversation
Have you ever tried ballooning before?
No, but it sounds exciting!
I went last summer, and it was amazing to see the view from above.
verb
Definition
The action of filling something with air or gas to make it expand, often used in the context of inflating balloons or similar objects.
Example
The children enjoyed ballooning the colorful balloons for the party.
Tense Forms
Past: ballooned
Past Participle: ballooned
Conversation
Have you ever tried ballooning over the countryside?
No, but it sounds like an amazing experience!
It really is; the view from up there is just breathtaking.
Root Explanation
Ballooning is derived from "balloon" (from Middle French *ballon*, meaning a large ball or inflated object) and the suffix "-ing" (indicating the action or process of). The term "ballooning" refers to the action or process of inflating or flying in a balloon.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'balloon' being filled with air, and the '-ing' shows that it's the action of inflating or flying in a balloon.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.