BharatNotes Inflation
nounUsage in a UPSC answer
Persistent food and fuel inflation disproportionately burdens the poor, who spend a larger share of income on essentials, making price stability not merely a monetary objective but a question of distributive justice and inclusive growth.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
inflate (v), inflated (adj), inflationary (adj), deflation (n), reflation (n), stagflation (n)
Root
Latin īnflātiō = expansion, blowing up; in- = into; flāre = to blow
Etymology
From Latin īnflātiō ("expansion, blowing up"), derived from īnflāre ("to blow into"), combining in- ("into") + flāre ("to blow"); first used in an economic context in the mid-19th century to describe monetary expansion, and later applied to rising price levels.
Memory Hook
Picture a balloon inflated with hot air — Latin flare "to blow." When too much money is "blown into" an economy, prices swell up just like that balloon.
Seen in UPSC Question Papers
- Prelims 2025 — Money and Banking
- Prelims 2024 — Money and Banking
- Prelims 2022 — Banking
- Prelims 2020 — Inflation
- Prelims 2019 — Banking
- Mains 2024 · GS3 · 10 marks — Indian Economy
- Mains 2022 · GS2 · 15 marks — Governance
- Mains 2019 · GS3 · 10 marks — Indian Economy
- Mains 2014 · GS3 · 12.5 marks — Agriculture / Economy
Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Inflation” — proof this word earns its place on your list.
Tip: press Alt+S to hear pronunciation
