B2 verb Neutral

blown

/bloʊn/

The past participle of the verb 'blow,' referring to something that has been moved by air currents or destroyed by an explosion. In academic and figurative contexts, it often describes an idea that has been discredited or a situation that has been significantly exaggerated.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The fallen leaves have been blown into a pile in the corner of the garden.

The fallen leaves have been moved by the wind into a pile in the corner of the garden.

2

The initial hypothesis was effectively blown apart by the results of the second trial.

The initial hypothesis was completely discredited by the results of the second trial.

3

I was totally blown away by how much effort you put into this surprise.

I was extremely impressed by how much effort you put into this surprise.

Word Family

Noun
blow
Verb
blow
Adjective
blown
Related
bellows
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Memory Tip

Remember: 'Blew' is the past, but 'blown' has an 'n' for 'now finished' or 'now done' (past participle).

Quick Quiz

The impact of the small data error was ______ out of proportion by the news outlets.

Correct!

The correct answer is: blown

Examples

1

The fallen leaves have been blown into a pile in the corner of the garden.

everyday

The fallen leaves have been moved by the wind into a pile in the corner of the garden.

2

The initial hypothesis was effectively blown apart by the results of the second trial.

formal

The initial hypothesis was completely discredited by the results of the second trial.

3

I was totally blown away by how much effort you put into this surprise.

informal

I was extremely impressed by how much effort you put into this surprise.

4

The importance of the minor discrepancy was blown out of proportion in the subsequent analysis.

academic

The importance of the small error was exaggerated in the following analysis.

5

The entire marketing budget was blown on a single television advertisement that failed to convert.

business

The entire marketing budget was spent wastefully on a single television advertisement.

Word Family

Noun
blow
Verb
blow
Adjective
blown
Related
bellows

Common Collocations

blown out of proportion made to seem more important or serious than it really is
blown off course diverted from a planned direction due to external pressure
mind-blown to be completely overwhelmed with amazement or shock
blown away greatly impressed or surprised
wind-blown exposed to or shaped by the wind

Common Phrases

blown it

made a major mistake or missed a great opportunity

blown a fuse

to suddenly become very angry

blown over

when a problem or situation finishes or is forgotten

Often Confused With

blown vs blew

'Blew' is the simple past tense, whereas 'blown' is the past participle used with 'have/had' or in passive voice.

blown vs blowen

There is no such word as 'blowen'; learners often mistakenly follow the pattern of 'frozen' or 'chosen'.

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Usage Notes

As a past participle, 'blown' must be used with an auxiliary verb like 'have', 'has', 'had', or 'is/was' for passive voice. It is frequently used in the idiom 'blown out of proportion' in critical writing.

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Common Mistakes

The most common error is using 'blowed' as the past participle, which is non-standard and incorrect in academic English.

💡

Memory Tip

Remember: 'Blew' is the past, but 'blown' has an 'n' for 'now finished' or 'now done' (past participle).

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old English 'blāwan', which means to blow or breathe air.

Grammar Patterns

Used with 'have' for present perfect: 'has blown'. Used in passive voice: 'was blown'. Used as a participial adjective: 'the blown glass'.
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Cultural Context

In Western media, the phrase 'blown out of proportion' is frequently used to criticize sensationalism in news reporting.

Quick Quiz

The impact of the small data error was ______ out of proportion by the news outlets.

Correct!

The correct answer is: blown

Related Words

bristling

B2

To bristle means to have hair or fur stand up away from the skin, typically due to fear or anger. Figuratively, it describes being covered with or full of something, or showing sharp annoyance or defensiveness.

broad

B2

Describes something that is physically wide or has a large distance from side to side. In abstract or academic contexts, it refers to a scope, range, or category that is comprehensive and covers a wide variety of topics or ideas.

broadcaster

B2

A broadcaster is a person or an organization that transmits programs or information via radio or television. It can refer to a large corporation that owns media channels or the individual presenter who speaks on air.

broadminded

B2

Describes someone who is willing to accept or tolerate beliefs, behaviors, or lifestyles that differ from their own. It implies a lack of prejudice and a receptiveness to new ideas or unconventional opinions.

broadside

B2

To broadside means to hit or collide with the side of something, most commonly a vehicle. Metaphorically, it refers to launching a sudden, forceful, and often public verbal or written attack against someone or something.

brogue

B2

To speak with a strong regional accent, typically an Irish or Scottish one, or to fit a person or shoe with traditional heavy leather decorative patterns. As a verb, it describes the act of imbuing speech with a melodic lilt or wearing sturdy, perforated footwear.

broke

B2

To be without money; experiencing a complete lack of funds, often used to describe a temporary state before one receives a paycheck or more money. In a broader context, it can describe a business that has become insolvent or bankrupt.

bromine

B2

Bromine is a chemical element that appears as a dark reddish-brown liquid at room temperature and is part of the halogen group. It is known for its pungent odor and is primarily used in industrial chemicals, flame retardants, and as a disinfectant in swimming pools and spas.

bronchitis

B2

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs. People who have bronchitis often cough up thickened mucus, which can be discolored, and experience difficulty breathing.

brooch

B2

A brooch is a decorative piece of jewelry that is designed to be attached to a person's clothing. It features a pin on the back to fasten it securely to a garment, often serving as both an ornament and a functional clasp.

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