French Conversation · Level 115
59 words
French word
enfler
Pronunciation
IPA/ɑ̃fle/
Meaning
- verbinflate
Example
Le ballon enfle rapidement.
The balloon quickly inflates.
More examples
Depuis la crise, les prix enflent rapidement.
Since the crisis, prices have been surging rapidly.
Core concept
A form or force filling out until its greater size or intensity becomes noticeable.
Common phrases
les prix enflent
Prices surge
Similar words
gonfler: To make something larger by filling it with air or liquid.
grossir: To gain weight, thickness, or overall size.
augmenter: To rise in amount, level, price, or intensity.
Definition in French
Augmenter de volume ou d'intensité, au sens propre comme au sens figuré.
Word origin
Enfler comes from Latin inflare, meaning 'to blow into', through Old French, and retains physical and figurative senses of expansion.
Usage tips
- Gonfler is usually preferred for intentionally putting air into an object, whereas enfler commonly describes swelling or growth that develops.
Other meanings
- swellverb
- soarverb
Opposites
- baisserfallverb
Related words
- enfléswollenadjective
- enflureswellingnoun