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Meaning of swell in English
Pronunciation
/swɛl/
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Verb
swell
Etymology
Old English swellan (verb), of Germanic origin; related to German schwellen. Current senses of the noun date from the early 16th century; the informal adjectival use derives from noun swell (sense 5 of the noun) (late 18th century)
Definitions
1.
increase in size, magnitude, number, or intensity
Examples
« The music swelled to a crescendo »
2.
become filled with pride, arrogance, or anger
Examples
« The mother was swelling with importance when she spoke of her son »
3.
expand abnormally
Examples
« The bellies of the starving children are swelling »
4.
as of feelings and thoughts, or other ephemeral things
Examples
« Strong emotions welled up »
« Smoke swelled from it »
5.
come up
Examples
« Tears well in her eyes »
6.
cause to become swollen
Examples
« The water swells the wood »
Classifying Adjective
swell
Definitions
1.
very good
Examples
« he did a bully job »
« a neat sports car »
« had a great time at the party »
« you look simply smashing »
Synonyms
good
Noun
swell
Definitions
1.
the undulating movement of the surface of the open sea
2.
a rounded elevation (especially one on an ocean floor)
3.
a crescendo followed by a decrescendo
4.
a man who is much concerned with his dress and appearance