Reading Theme:
Inflation: Definition, Usage & Real-World Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：rising prices (inflation)
inflation
/ɪnˈfleɪʃən/
n.
A general increase in prices over time, which means your money buys less than it did before.
rising prices
➕
/ˈraɪzɪŋ ˈpraɪsɪz/
n.
This refers to the sustained and broad increase in the general price level of goods and services in an economy over a period of time, leading to a decrease in the purchasing power of money.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'inflatio', from 'inflare' (to blow into), composed of 'in-' (into) + 'flare' (to blow).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a balloon being inflated: as it gets bigger (inflation), your money's buying power gets smaller, like air thinning out.
📖 Example
With inflation rising, my family is spending more on groceries every month but getting less in the shopping cart.
As prices continue to climb, my household's monthly grocery bill increases, yet the amount of food we can buy shrinks.
🔗 Collocations
inflation rate – the percentage increase in prices over a specific period
high inflation – a period of rapid and significant price increases
control inflation – to take measures to reduce or stabilize the rate of price increases
🔄 Synonyms
price increase (n.) – a rise in the cost of goods and services
escalation (n.) – a rapid increase, often used for prices or costs
🚫 Antonyms
deflation (n.) – a general decrease in the price level of goods and services
🌱 Derivatives
inflate (v.) – to cause something to increase abnormally, especially prices
inflationary (adj.) – relating to or causing a general rise in prices
📖 Cultural Story
The economic term 'inflation' gained prominence in the 19th century, originally describing an increase in the money supply. Its modern price-rise meaning solidified post-WWII. Central bank leaders, like the U.S. Federal Reserve Chair, are key figures in managing national inflation targets.
Meaning 2：filling with air (inflation)
inflation
/ɪnˈfleɪʃən/
n.
The act of filling something with air or gas to make it bigger and rounder.
filling with air
➕
/ˈfɪlɪŋ wɪð ɛr/
n.
This refers to the physical action or process of filling something, such as a tire, balloon, or air mattress, with air or gas, causing it to expand and become firm.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Before our beach trip, I used a pump for the inflation of the new beach ball.
Prior to heading to the beach, I employed a pump to fill the new beach ball with air.
🔗 Collocations
tire inflation – the process of putting air into a vehicle tire to the correct pressure
rapid inflation – the quick filling of an object with air or gas
🔄 Synonyms
expansion (n.) – the action of becoming larger or more extensive, often by filling with air
pumping up (n.) – the informal act of inflating something using a pump
🚫 Antonyms
deflation (n.) – the act of releasing air or gas from something, causing it to shrink
🌱 Derivatives
inflate (v.) – to fill something with air or gas so it becomes larger
inflatable (adj.) – designed to be filled with air
Wordbook
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