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Swell Definition, Usage & Real-Life Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：become enlarged (swell)

swell 🔊

/swel/

To become larger and rounder, often because of pressure from inside, like a balloon being blown up or a body part after an injury.

become enlarged 🔊

➕

/bɪˈkʌm ɪnˈlɑːrdʒd/

To increase in size or volume, typically in a rounded shape, often due to internal pressure, fluid accumulation, or injury.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English *swellan*, related to Old Norse *svella*, meaning 'to swell'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a water WELL that overflows and SWELLs beyond its rim.

📖 Example

After the injury, her ankle began to swell, so she put an ice pack on it. 🔊 Her ankle started to become enlarged after the injury, prompting her to apply an ice pack.

🔗 Collocations

swell up – to become noticeably larger, especially a body part

cause swelling – to be the reason something becomes enlarged

swollen glands – enlarged lymph nodes, often due to infection

🔄 Synonyms

inflate (v.) – to fill with air or gas to become larger

expand (v.) – to increase in size, volume, or scope

distend (v.) – to swell or cause to swell from internal pressure

🚫 Antonyms

shrink (v.) – to become or make smaller in size

deflate (v.) – to release air or reduce in size

🌱 Derivatives

swelling (n.) – an abnormal enlargement of a part of the body

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'swell' comes from Old English. In modern English, it is often used in nautical contexts to describe the large, rolling waves of the sea, which is a specific and high-frequency application beyond its general meaning of increase.

Meaning 2：increase gradually (swell)

swell 🔊

/swel/

To gradually increase in size, number, amount, or intensity, like a crowd getting bigger or music getting louder.

increase gradually 🔊

➕

/ˈɪnkriːs ˈɡrædʒuəli/

To grow in size, number, intensity, or force over a period of time.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The crowd started to swell as the time for the free concert approached. 🔊 The number of people in the crowd began to increase gradually as the start time of the free concert got closer.

🔗 Collocations

swell the ranks – to increase the number of people in a group

swell with pride – to feel a strong and increasing sense of pride

a swelling tide – a gradually increasing force or trend

🔄 Synonyms

grow (v.) – to increase in size or amount

multiply (v.) – to increase in number greatly

escalate (v.) – to increase rapidly or become more intense

🚫 Antonyms

dwindle (v.) – to become gradually less or smaller

shrink (v.) – to become smaller in size or amount

🌱 Derivatives

swell (n.) – a gradual increase in size, amount, or intensity