inflationary
UK: ɪnˈfleɪʃənəri | US: ɪnˈfleɪʃəneri
adj. relating to or causing economic inflation
adj. (physics) pertaining to the expansion of the universe (e.g., inflationary cosmology)
The word traces back to Latin inflare ("to blow into, swell"), combining in- (into) + flare (to blow). The suffix -ion nominalizes the action (e.g., "inflation" = the act of swelling), while -ary forms adjectives (e.g., "related to inflation"). Initially tied to literal expansion (e.g., balloon inflation), it gained economic prominence in the 19th century to describe currency devaluation. Later, "inflationary" was adopted in cosmology (1980s) to describe rapid universe expansion post-Big Bang.
Central banks raise interest rates to curb inflationary pressures.
The inflationary trend eroded consumers' purchasing power.
Scientists debate evidence for an inflationary phase in the early universe.
Wage hikes often lead to inflationary cycles in unstable economies.
The government introduced measures to stabilize inflationary markets.