swollen / pompous
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swollen
Having increased in volume due to an accumulation of fluid in the tissue, often as a result of an injury, inflammation, or illness.
Nach dem Bienenstich war mein ganzer Arm dick geschwollen.
After the bee sting, my whole arm was badly swollen.
'Geschwollen' (swollen) is the past participle of the verb 'schwellen' (to swell/increase in volume). It is used as an adjective to describe the state that occurs after swelling.
Sein Knie ist nach dem Sturz stark geschwollen.
His knee is badly swollen after the fall.
The meaning of 'geschwollen' (swollen/pompous) depends on the context. If you are talking about body parts (eye, foot, hand), the literal meaning 'swollen' is meant. If you are talking about language or style, the figurative meaning 'pompous' or 'artificial' is meant.
Mein Knöchel ist nach dem Umknicken geschwollen.
My ankle is swollen after I twisted it.
In the medical meaning, 'geschwollen' (swollen) is very often combined with body parts. Typical phrases are 'ein geschwollener Knöchel' (a swollen ankle), 'geschwollene Augen' (swollen eyes), or 'geschwollene Lippen' (swollen lips).
Nach dem Weinen hatte sie ganz geschwollene Augen.
After crying, her eyes were very swollen.
In the figurative meaning, 'geschwollen' (pompous) describes language or expression that is perceived as artificial, exaggerated, or unnatural. You can say that a speech is 'geschwollen' (pompous) or that someone 'redet geschwollen' (speaks pompously).
Er liebt es, geschwollene Phrasen zu verwenden, um intelligent zu wirken.
He loves using pompous phrases to appear intelligent.
simple / plain
'schlicht' and 'geschwollen' are opposites when talking about language. Simple language is plain, clear, and easy to understand. 'geschwollen' language sounds overly solemn, artificial, or unnecessarily complicated. This contrast does not relate to the physical meaning of 'geschwollen' (swollen), but to the way something is expressed. In a normal conversation or a simple text, 'schlicht' is often more natural; 'geschwollen' is used when a phrase sounds too pompous.
Der Brief klang so geschwollen, dass wir ihn zweimal lesen mussten.
The letter sounded so pompous that we had to read it twice.
Die Lehrerin erklärt die Regel in schlichten Worten.
The teacher explains the rule in simple words.