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swell

Elementary (A2)

IPA: /swɛl/

KK: /swɛl/

adjective
Definition

Very good or excellent; stylish and fashionable.


Example

We had a swell time at the party last night!


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you see the outfit she wore to the party last night?
Sloth B
Yeah, it was really swell and stylish!
Sloth A
I know, right? Everyone was talking about how she always looks so swell.
Sloth B
Absolutely! She definitely knows how to make an impression.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
great
superb
stylish
Antonyms
poor
awful
unfashionable
intransitive verb
Definition

To increase in size, volume, or intensity, often due to internal pressure or growth.


Example

The river began to swell after the heavy rain.


Tense Forms

Past: swelled

Past Participle: swelled


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you notice how the crowd began to swell during the concert?
Sloth B
Yeah, it was amazing to see everyone getting so excited!
Sloth A
I thought the energy really swelled as the band played their hits.
Sloth B
noun
Definition

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.


Example

The swell of the ocean made it difficult for the small boat to navigate.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you see that big swell at the beach yesterday?
Sloth B
Yeah, it looked perfect for surfing!
Sloth A
I love how a good swell can change the whole vibe of the ocean.
Sloth B
transitive verb
Definition

To cause something to become larger or more intense, often in size or volume.


Example

The music swelled as the orchestra played the final notes.


Tense Forms

Past: swelled

Past Participle: swelled


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you see that movie last night?
Sloth B
Yes! I felt so swell during the happy ending.
Sloth A
Right? It really swelled my heart with joy.
Sloth B
Root Explanation

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.

Memory Tip

Imagine something that is 'growing' or 'increasing in size' — that's what swell means.

Visually Confused Words
aswell
well
sell
upswell
unswell
reswell
inswell
welly
Is this page helpful?
Absolutely! It felt like we were all part of something special.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
expand
inflate
rise
Antonyms
shrink
diminish
decrease
Absolutely! It really brings out the energy in the waves.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
bulge
rise
wave
Antonyms
dip
decline
trough
Exactly! I love films that make me feel that way.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
inflate
expand
enlarge
Antonyms
deflate
shrink
diminish