inflate
ihn-FLAYT
Inflate (verb) means to fill something with air or gas so that it expands. Example: “He used a foot pump to inflate the tires.”
verb
1
To fill something with air or gas so that it expands.
"He used a foot pump to inflate the tires."
"Please inflate the balloons before the party starts."
2
To increase something, such as a price or figure, beyond its real or reasonable level.
"Some sellers inflate prices right before a big sale to fake a discount."
How to use inflate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo pump full of air, or to artificially boost a number or figure.
Common pairings
inflate a tire
inflate prices
inflate figures
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- inflates
- Past tense
- inflated
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Can you complete this real example?
He used a foot pump to _____ the tires.
Etymology
From Latin inflatus, past participle of inflare, "to blow into."
Related words
Rhymes for inflate
See all rhymes for inflate →Frequently asked questions
What does “inflate” mean?
The word “inflate” means to fill something with air or gas so that it expands. In plain terms, to pump full of air, or to artificially boost a number or figure.
How do you pronounce “inflate”?
“Inflate” is pronounced ihn-FLAYT (/ɪnˈfleɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “inflate” in a sentence?
Here is “inflate” used in a sentence: “He used a foot pump to inflate the tires.”
What is the opposite of “inflate”?
The opposite of “inflate” — its antonyms — is deflate.
What part of speech is “inflate”?
“Inflate” is a verb.
Where does the word “inflate” come from?
The word “inflate” comes from Latin. From Latin inflatus, past participle of inflare, "to blow into.".
How many meanings does “inflate” have?
“Inflate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to fill something with air or gas so that it expands.
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