easy
We used a pump to inflate the ball.
What does Inflate mean?
Inflate means to fill with air or make larger.
Dictionary definition
To fill something with air or gas, or to make something seem larger than it is.
Example sentences
Inflate in a sentence
medium
The balloon began to inflate as air went inside.
hard
A writer should not inflate a claim beyond what the evidence supports.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice inflate in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Inflate
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does inflate mean?
Inflate means to fill with air or make something larger.
Practice 2
Which sentence uses inflate correctly?
A tire or ball can be inflated with air.
Practice 3
Which word is an antonym of inflate?
Deflate means to let air out or become smaller.
Practice complete
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You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Inflate
Voice settings
Sounds like
in · flayt · strongest beat: flayt
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordInflate.
Partverb.
MeaningInflate means to fill with air or make larger.
ExampleExample: We used a pump to inflate the ball.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- in · flayt
- Strongest beat
- flayt
- Ending
- flayt
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on flayt.
Your turn
Say Inflate
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Ready when you are.
Nice work—you practiced inflate.
Synonyms
Words like Inflate
fillUse when putting air or material into something.
expandUse when something gets larger.
enlargeUse when making something bigger.
Antonyms
Opposite words
Synonym practice
Want to practice inflate synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "Please inflate the ball before the game," then compare close word choices. Practice inflate synonyms.
Word family
Inflate word family
Base word
inflate
verb
inflates
Fills with air or makes larger.
verb
inflated
Filled with air or made larger in the past.
noun
inflation
The act or process of increasing or expanding.
Related words
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Student support
Understand Inflate
Hint for students
Inflate means to fill with air or make larger.
Common mix-up
Inflate is not the same as deflate. Inflate means inflate means to fill with air or make larger.
Try it in class or at home
Read this model sentence: The balloon began to inflate as air went inside. Clue words: air, balloon, began. Underline clue words that show why inflate fits instead of deflate. Now write one new sentence that shows inflate without using the word inflate. Ask: Does my sentence clearly show inflate?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "The balloon began to inflate as air went inside." Why does inflate fit better than deflate?
Learning activities
Practice Inflate and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice INFLATE” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
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Sentence Builder
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Spell Hive
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Vocabulary Match
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Context Clue Challenge
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Synonym Search
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Explore · Scramble
Scrambled Bees
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