IPA: /swɛl/
KK: /swɛl/
Very good or excellent; stylish and fashionable.
We had a swell time at the party last night!
To increase in size, volume, or intensity, often due to internal pressure or growth.
The river began to swell after the heavy rain.
Past: swelled
Past Participle: swelled
A long wave on water that moves continuously without breaking, or a rise in the land that forms a rounded elevation. It can also refer to a swollen part of something, like a bulge or protuberance.
The swell of the ocean made it difficult for the small boat to navigate.
To cause something to become larger or more intense, often in size or volume.
The music swelled as the orchestra played the final notes.
Past: swelled
Past Participle: swelled
Swell → The word originates from Old English 'swellan', meaning to grow or increase in size. It describes the action of becoming larger or more inflated.
Imagine something that is 'growing' or 'increasing in size' — that's what swell means.