Swell Meaning
Swell Definition & Usage
To increase in size, volume, or intensity, often due to pressure or external force.
Examples
- "The river began to swell after the heavy rains."
- "Her ankle started to swell after the sprain."
- "The crowd swelled in number as the concert neared."
- "The balloon swelled with air as he blew into it."
- "The storm clouds were swelling, signaling an approaching downpour."
Describing something that is excellent, impressive, or particularly good, often in an informal or enthusiastic manner.
Examples
- "The party was absolutely swell – everyone had a fantastic time."
- "He looked swell in his new suit."
- "What a swell idea! Let’s do it."
- "That’s a swell restaurant, you should try it."
- "You’ve done a swell job organizing everything."
To cause something to expand or become larger in size, usually by internal pressure.
Examples
- "The yeast in the dough caused it to swell as it fermented."
- "The heated metal swelled before being molded into shape."
- "The balloon swelled when we heated it near the fire."
- "The wound began to swell, making it painful to touch."
- "The bread dough swelled as it rose in the warm kitchen."
Cultural Context
The word 'swell' has been used in English since the 14th century, originally referring to the physical action of something expanding due to pressure. In the early 20th century, particularly in the 1920s, 'swell' became a popular slang term in American English to mean 'great' or 'excellent', particularly in jazz culture and among young people. The informal nature of the slang has meant that it has fallen out of widespread use in formal contexts, though it is still recognized in vintage films and literature.
The Swell Party
Story
The Swell Party
It was a late summer evening, and Emma had spent weeks planning the perfect party. As the clock struck seven, her friends started to arrive at the lakeside cabin. The air was warm and the scent of barbecue filled the air. She couldn't help but smile as she watched the guests swell in number, filling the yard with laughter and music. Across the lawn, Ben, her best friend, was inflating a beach ball. He looked up and grinned, his cheeks puffed out from blowing air into the ball. ‘This thing’s going to swell like a balloon,’ he joked. Emma laughed. 'I hope the party swells in the same way. It’s already shaping up to be a swell evening!’ The night was young, and the stars began to swell in the sky, casting their brilliant glow over the water. The atmosphere was perfect: warm, lively, and full of energy. As Emma walked over to greet her guests, she noticed that one of the chairs had swollen slightly, its fabric stretched out from years of use. But none of that mattered. What mattered was that the party was, as Emma had hoped, a swell success. Everyone had a fantastic time, and when the evening ended, people were already talking about how great it had been. She looked out at the lake, watching the water swell and ripple with the breeze. It had been a perfect night. As the last few guests made their way home, Emma felt proud of what she had created – a night full of laughter, memories, and, of course, a little bit of swelling fun.
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