# inflate

> English word · Verb · IPA /ɪnˈfleɪt/ · frequency rank #28,596

## Definitions
1. To enlarge an object by pushing air (or a gas) into it; to raise or expand abnormally
2. To enlarge by filling with air (or a gas).
3. To swell; to puff up.
4. To decompress (data) that was previously deflated.
5. To represent something as being more important, better, or worse than it actually is; to exaggerate.

## Etymology
From Latin īnflātus, perfect passive participle of īnflō, see -ate (verb-forming suffix). Doublet of inblow.

## Easily confused with
- **inmate** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/inflate-vs-inmate)
- **innate** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/inflate-vs-innate)
- **isolate** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/inflate-vs-isolate)
- **inflated** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/inflate-vs-inflated)
- **insulate** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/inflate-vs-insulate)
- **inflame** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/inflame-vs-inflate)
- **inflamed** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/inflamed-vs-inflate)

## Common misspellings (10)
`ifnlate`, `infalte`, `infflate`, `inflaet`, `inflatte`, `infllate`, `infltae`, `inlfate`, `innflate`, `niflate`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/inflate