blow
To move along or be carried by a current of air, or to force air out through the mouth. In academic and technical contexts, it often describes the movement of gases under pressure or the sudden failure of a mechanical component.
Examples
3 of 5The wind is starting to blow harder now that the sun has set.
The wind is starting to blow harder now that the sun has set.
The leaves were blown across the courtyard during the storm.
The leaves were blown across the courtyard during the storm.
I can't believe I blew the audition; I was so nervous.
I can't believe I blew the audition; I was so nervous.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'blowing' out birthday candles—you are using a current of air to move or change something.
Quick Quiz
The strong winds _____ several trees down during the hurricane last night.
Correct!
The correct answer is: blew
Examples
The wind is starting to blow harder now that the sun has set.
everydayThe wind is starting to blow harder now that the sun has set.
The leaves were blown across the courtyard during the storm.
formalThe leaves were blown across the courtyard during the storm.
I can't believe I blew the audition; I was so nervous.
informalI can't believe I blew the audition; I was so nervous.
When the internal pressure exceeds the safety threshold, the relief valve will blow to prevent an explosion.
academicWhen the internal pressure exceeds the safety threshold, the relief valve will blow to prevent an explosion.
Market analysts fear that the sudden change in policy might blow the merger deal.
businessMarket analysts fear that the sudden change in policy might blow the merger deal.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
blow your mind
blow your mind
blow off steam
blow off steam
blow the whistle
blow the whistle
Often Confused With
Blue is a color, while blow is the action of moving air; they are homophones in some dialects but different parts of speech.
Flow refers to the continuous movement of liquid or traffic, whereas blow specifically involves air or gas.
Usage Notes
Use 'blow' to describe natural air movement or the act of exhaling forcefully. In figurative use, it often implies wasting an opportunity or making a major mistake.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'blowed' as the past tense; however, the correct forms are 'blew' (past) and 'blown' (past participle).
Memory Tip
Think of 'blowing' out birthday candles—you are using a current of air to move or change something.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old English 'blāwan', meaning to blow, breathe, or make a sound with a horn.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
The phrase 'blow the whistle' comes from sports but is widely used in Western culture to describe exposing corruption or illegal activity.
Quick Quiz
The strong winds _____ several trees down during the hurricane last night.
Correct!
The correct answer is: blew
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
To move in a relaxed, confident, and effortless manner, or t...
stormA storm is an occurrence of bad weather characterized by str...
galeA gale is a very strong and powerful wind. It is much strong...
pressureIn weather, pressure is the force of the air pushing down on...
draftA preliminary version of a piece of writing, such as an essa...
Related Words
anticisist
C1To actively challenge, subvert, or dismantle cisnormative assumptions and institutional gender binaries. This verb describes the proactive process of advocating for gender-diverse perspectives by questioning established social norms.
intermovy
C1The dynamic and reciprocal movement or exchange occurring between different groups, systems, or states. It specifically highlights the fluid transition and interplay of elements as they shift from one context to another.
exmarist
C1A person who was formerly a member of the Marist Brothers or the Society of Mary, or a former student who attended a Marist educational institution. It refers to someone who maintains an identity or connection with the Marist tradition after leaving the formal organization.
unmanfy
C1To deprive someone or something of traditionally masculine qualities, strength, or vigor. It is often used figuratively to describe the process of making a person or a concept appear weak, vulnerable, or less assertive than expected.
obvolvence
C1The state or condition of being wrapped, enveloped, or enshrouded by a surrounding layer. It is used both literally in biological contexts to describe a covering and metaphorically to describe being obscured or hidden.
oblucation
C1To render something obscure, unclear, or unintelligible, especially through the use of complex language or ambiguous details. It involves intentionally making a concept difficult to perceive or understand to hide the truth or avoid directness.
overprivine
C1A formal noun referring to the state or condition of possessing excessive social or economic privilege, often to the point where it diminishes one's ability to empathize with others. It describes a structural or individual abundance of advantages that creates a disconnect from the realities of the less fortunate.
intrapaty
C1Refers to activities, discussions, or conflicts occurring within a single political party rather than between different parties. It describes the internal dynamics, factionalism, or cohesion among members of the same political organization.
subvadful
C1To subvadful means to perform a comprehensive and intensive verification of the fundamental layers of a system, argument, or physical structure. It implies a deep-dive analysis that goes beyond surface-level inspection to ensure that hidden foundations are entirely secure and functional.
dislegly
C1A test-specific term used to describe something that is not permitted by law or established rules. It characterizes actions, behaviors, or documents that violate a formal code or legal standard within a controlled linguistic simulation.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free