Inflate Meaning
/ɪnˈfleɪt/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
verbTo enlarge an object by pushing air (or a gas) into it; to raise or expand abnormally
verbTo enlarge by filling with air (or a gas).
Sentence Examples
I cannot inflate all these balloons.
Do you know how to inflate the tire?
CEFR Practice Quiz
You need to ____ the air mattress before using it for guests.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
You will need a small pump to ____ all of the colorful balloons for the birthday party.
Word Origin & History
From Latin īnflātus, perfect passive participle of īnflō, see -ate (verb-forming suffix). Doublet of inblow.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"When passion's tumults in the bosom rise, / Inflate the features, and enrage the eyes."
— 1782, John Scott of Amwell, An Essay on Painting:
"[I]f they find / Some stain or blemish in a name of note, / Not grieving that their greatest are so small, / Inflate themselves with some insane delight, / And judge all nature from her feet of clay, […]"
— 1859, Alfred Tennyson, “Vivien”, in Idylls of the King, London: Edward Moxon & Co., […], →OCLC, page 137:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
You need to ____ the air mattress before using it for guests.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
You will need a small pump to ____ all of the colorful balloons for the birthday party.