inflate
Translation
to inflate, to blow up, to exaggerate
Examples
He used a pump to inflate the tire.
He used a pump to inflate the tyre.
The company inflated its profits.
The company inflated its profits.
Praise can inflate a person's ego.
Praise can inflate a person's ego.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) ((with sth.)) to fill (sth.) with air or gas He inflated the balloon with helium.
((sth.)) to make (sth.) seem more important or impressive than it is The media inflated the importance of the event.
Similar Words
Synonyms: expand, swell, blow up, exaggerate; Antonyms: deflate, shrink, reduce
Etymology
From Latin 'in-' (into) + 'flare' (to blow). Literally 'to blow into'.
Memory Tips
Think of blowing 'in' air to make something bigger. This applies to physical objects like balloons and abstract concepts like prices or ego.