plump

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to shake or pat something, like a pillow, so it becomes full and soft again.

v. to make something full or rounded, typically by shaking or patting; frequently used with the particle 'up'.

“She plumped up the sofa cushions before the guests arrived.”

“The hotel housekeeper took care to plump the down pillows every morning, ensuring a luxurious appearance for the returning guests.”

C1 · Advanced British English

v. to choose or support one person or thing instead of others.

v. to decide in favour of or express strong support for one person or option; usually followed by the preposition 'for'.

“After looking at all the cars, he decided to plump for the red one.”

“Despite the variety of candidates on the ballot, many local residents chose to plump for the independent representative.”

C1 · Advanced Informal

v. to sit or fall down suddenly and heavily.

v. to drop, fall, or sit down suddenly and heavily, often producing a dull sound.

“He was so tired that he plumped down into the armchair without taking off his coat.”

“The exhausted hiker plumped his heavy rucksack onto the wooden porch and sighed with relief.”

C2 · Proficiency Literary

adv. directly, suddenly, or without warning.

adv. in a direct, blunt, or sudden manner; often used to describe a physical collision or a direct statement.

“The two runners ran plump into each other at the corner of the track.”

“The messenger arrived and fell plump into the middle of the conversation, breathless with the news from the front lines.”