balloonish
|bal-loon-ish|
/bəˈluːnɪʃ/
inflated; balloon-like
Etymology
'balloonish' originates from English, formed by adding the suffix '-ish' to the noun 'balloon' to mean 'like a balloon'.
'balloonish' was created in modern English by combining 'balloon' (which entered English from French 'ballon') with the adjectival suffix '-ish'; 'balloon' itself came into English via French 'ballon' (from Italian 'ballone').
Initially, the elements meant 'balloon' + the adjectival sense '–ish (like)', and over time the compound kept the core meaning of 'like a balloon' while also developing figurative senses of being inflated or exaggerated.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
resembling a balloon in shape or appearance; inflated, puffy, or rounded.
Her coat had a balloonish silhouette that puffed out at the hips.
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Adjective 2
figuratively exaggerated or excessively showy; ostentatiously inflated in manner or style.
The politician's speech was almost balloonish, full of grand but empty promises.
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Antonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/07 05:14