Words / B1

in-FLAYT/ɪnˈfleɪt/

To inflate is to fill with air, or to push a number up in a misleading way: inflate a tyre; inflate the word count. Inflation is the related economics noun (already in the dictionary). Exaggerate is a close twin for numbers. Coursework: do not inflate the word count with repeated quotations.

Meaning

To fill with air; also to make a number or price rise in a misleading way.

Examples

• “Do not inflate the word count with repeated quotations.”
• “Inflate the cuff before you read the blood pressure, which is the physical sense.”

Good to know

inflate a tyre / a cuff; inflate figures / a word count. Noun (prices): inflation. Close (numbers): exaggerate. Exams / clinical kit.

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