The correct spelling for the phrase "no longer inflated" is [nəʊ ˈlɒŋɡər ɪnˈfleɪtɪd]. The first sound is the short "o" sound, followed by the "long" "o" sound in "longer". The stress is on the second syllable of "longer". The "i" sound in "inflated" is pronounced with a short "i" sound, while the "e" at the end of the word is silent. By using the International Phonetic Alphabet, we can accurately show the pronunciation of various English words and phrases.
"No longer inflated" refers to the state of an object or entity that has ceased or has been relieved from being inflated. Inflation, in this context, pertains to the act of filling with air or gas to expand or enlarge something, typically in order to increase its size or volume. When an object is no longer inflated, it means that the trapped air or gas inside it has been released or expelled, leading to a reduction in its size or volume.
The phrase can be applied to various objects or entities. In a literal sense, it can refer to deflated items such as tires, balloons, or inflatable structures like bouncy castles or water floats. These objects are initially filled with air or gas to achieve a desired shape or purpose, but when they are no longer inflated, they lose their expanded form and become flat or collapsed.
Metaphorically, the term can also be used to describe concepts or situations that have been relieved from exaggerated or exaggeratedly optimistic or unrealistic claims. For instance, if a company's stock prices were once artificially increased due to hype or speculation, but have since returned to their actual value, it can be said that the stock is "no longer inflated." Similarly, if an individual's ego or self-importance was previously exaggerated but has now been deflated or diminished, they can be described as "no longer inflated." Hence, the term can be used to convey the return to a more realistic or normal state, free from excessiveness or exaggeration.