Definition

Related to a decrease in the general price level of goods and services in an economy.

Example

The government implemented policies to avoid a deflationary spiral.

Conversation

Have you heard about the deflationary trends in the economy lately?

Yeah, it's surprising how prices are dropping.

I wonder how that will affect our savings in the long run.

Hopefully, it means we can buy more with the same amount of money!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Deflationary → It is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "flatio" (from Latin, meaning to blow or inflate) and the suffix "-ary" (meaning relating to). The word "deflationary" refers to something that relates to the process of reducing or blowing down the level of inflation.

Memory Tip

Think of 'blowing down' ('de-' means down and 'flatio' means to blow) to remember that 'deflationary' relates to reducing inflation.

Visually Confused Words