inflate
in-FLAYT
/ɪnˈfleɪt/
To fill a container or object with air or gas so that it expands.
In driving context, it specifically refers to adding compressed air to car tires to reach recommended pressure levels.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'inflare' (to blow into), combined from 'in-' and 'flare'. It entered Middle English in the 15th century describing physical swelling or blowing up balloons, later expanding to economic contexts in the 19th century.
Word relationships
- blow up: Blow up is informal and can also mean explode, whereas inflate is precise and formal.
- expand: Expand refers broadly to increasing in size, whereas inflate specifically requires pumping air or gas into something.
- deflate: Deflate means to release air or gas from a container so that it shrinks.
Commonly confused with
- dilated: Dilate means to widen an opening or pupil, whereas inflate means filling an enclosed volume with gas.
Word family
- inflation (noun): The act of inflating, or an economic rise in general price levels.
- inflatable (adjective): Capable of being filled with air.
Collocations
- inflate tires
- inflate fully
- inflate to recommended pressure
- inflate artificial prices
Idioms & expressions
- inflate someone's ego (praise someone excessively)
Example sentences
- "You should regularly inflate your tires to thirty-five pounds per square inch for optimal fuel efficiency." Tire maintenance
- "Central banks closely monitor factors that might inflate consumer prices unexpectedly." Economics usage
Memory hook
IN-FLATE = blow air IN to expand flat rubber. IN-FLATE = Blow air IN.
When not to use
Do not use 'inflate' when talking about filling a container with liquid like fuel; use 'fill' or 'refuel'.
Fun facts
- Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, reducing overall gas mileage by up to three percent.
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