inflate
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ɪnˈfleɪt/
KK: /ɪnˈfleɪt/
intransitive verb
Definition
To become larger or fuller by filling with air or gas.
Example
The balloon will inflate when you blow air into it.
Tense Forms
Past: inflated
Past Participle: inflated
Conversation
Have you seen how the balloon inflates when you blow into it?
Yeah, it's really cool to watch it get bigger!
I always find it fascinating how quickly it can inflate.
Totally! It's like magic when it suddenly takes shape.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
swell
expand
rise
Antonyms
deflate
shrink
collapse
transitive verb
Definition
To fill something with air or gas to make it larger or to increase its size.
Example
He decided to inflate the balloon before the party.
Tense Forms
Past: inflated
Past Participle: inflated
Conversation
Did you remember to inflate the air mattress before the camping trip?
Oh no, I completely forgot about that!
It's okay, we can just use the pump now to inflate it quickly.
Root Explanation
Inflate is formed from "in-" (meaning into) and "flare" (from Latin "flare", meaning to blow or to breathe). The word describes the action of blowing air into something, causing it to expand or swell.
Memory Tip
Think of blowing air 'into' something ('in-') to make it bigger, which is what inflate means.
Visually Confused Words
reinflate
infoliate
infante
uninflated
insufflate
infiltrate
infibulate
disinflate