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Meaning of swell in English

  1. Pronunciation

    /swɛl/

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  1. 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. 2. become filled with pride, arrogance, or anger

    Examples

    • « The mother was swelling with importance when she spoke of her son »
  3. 3. expand abnormally

    Examples

    • « The bellies of the starving children are swelling »
  4. 4. as of feelings and thoughts, or other ephemeral things

    Examples

    • « Strong emotions welled up »
    • « Smoke swelled from it »
  5. 5. come up

    Examples

    • « Tears well in her eyes »
  6. 6. cause to become swollen

    Examples

    • « The water swells the wood »
  7. 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
  8. Noun

    swell

    Definitions

    1. the undulating movement of the surface of the open sea
  9. 2. a rounded elevation (especially one on an ocean floor)
  10. 3. a crescendo followed by a decrescendo
  11. 4. a man who is much concerned with his dress and appearance

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