Expressions used in Everyday Spoken English in Social and Professional contexts
inflate
inflate
Meaning(s)
1) make bigger (usually using air)
How to MemorizePopularity MediumProfessional MediumSocial
inflate tyre/cost/ego
Analysis
To 'inflate' something means to increase something in size or amount, such as in the phrase 'inflating figures' 'he has an inflated ego' or 'to inflate costs'. It can also mean to fill something with air or gas so that it becomes enlarged such as a floating toy or a tyre. To 'inflate' can also mean 'to exaggerate'. "The statistics were inflated to encourage investment."
Social Examples (Advance)
If we don't inflate the tyres, they'll burst on this stony ground.
I'm not buying a car at such an inflated price. It was only $15,000 last week!
He has such an inflated ego. He thinks he's the best at everything!
Professional Examples (Basic)
In the event of an emergency, you should pull on this tag to inflatethe life jacket.
Weinflated the figures in the budget to allow for a slight increase in the cost of materials.