swell
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to become larger or rounder than usual, often because of an injury or liquid.
v.to expand in volume or size, typically due to internal pressure, inflammation, or the accumulation of fluid.
Simple“His ankle started to swell immediately after he tripped on the stairs.”
In context“The wood in the door frame began to swell during the humid summer months, making it nearly impossible to close properly.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
v.to gradually become louder or stronger.
v.to increase gradually in volume, intensity, or force.
Simple“The sound of the drums began to swell as the parade moved closer.”
In context“The orchestral arrangement allowed the brass section to swell during the finale, creating a powerful emotional climax.”
- 03 C2 Proficiency
n.a person who is very fashionable or has a high social position.
n.a person of high social standing or one who is dressed in an elegantly fashionable manner.
Simple“The hotel lobby was filled with swells in expensive suits.”
In context“The local club was once the exclusive haunt of city swells and their debutante daughters.”
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.very good or pleasant.
adj.excellent or first-rate; used as a general term of approval.
Simple“We had a swell time at the party last night.”
In context“He thought it was a swell idea to drive across the country, though his parents were less enthusiastic.”
Teacher's tipThis usage is very old-fashioned and mostly associated with mid-20th-century American English; modern speakers use it ironically or in period dramas.
“Since Wednesday, Kathmandu has swelled with international visitors – not tourists but people looking for their loved ones.”
From Middle English swellen, from Old English swellan (“to swell”), from Proto-West Germanic swellan, from Proto-Germanic swellaną (“to swell”), of unknown origin. Cognate with Saterland Frisian swälle (“to swell”), West Frisian swolle (“to swell”), Dutch zwellen (“to swell”), Low German swellen (“to swell”), German schwellen (“to swell”), Swedish svälla (“to swell”), Icelandic svella. The adjective may derive from the noun.
From Middle English swelle, from the verb swellen (modern swell).
From the noun "swell" (a person dressed in an elegant manner).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.