Word
swelling
US/ˈswɛɫɪŋ/
UK/swˈɛlɪŋ/
Definitions
01physical enlargement
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Medicine
n. a place on your body that has become larger or rounder than usual, often because of a hit or an infection.
n. an abnormal enlargement or protuberance on the body, typically caused by fluid retention or inflammation.
“He put some ice on his ankle to help reduce the swelling after he fell.”
“The doctor noted significant swelling around the joint, suggesting that the ligament might be torn rather than merely strained.”
Usage
Often used with 'reduce' or 'go down' when the injury is healing.
Synonyms
02increase in size or volume
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Literary
n. the process of something getting bigger or fuller.
n. the act or state of increasing in size, volume, or intensity.
“The swelling of the river after the storm worried the local farmers.”
“The swelling of national pride following the victory was evident in every public square across the capital.”
03growing or expanding
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. the action of becoming larger or more powerful.
v. the present participle of 'swell', describing the ongoing process of expansion or increasing in number.
“The crowd was swelling as more people arrived for the concert.”
“With the ranks of the unemployed swelling to record numbers, the government faced intense pressure to reform the welfare system.”
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“The operation came as community organizing against ICE was swelling in the region in response to the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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