A contributory factor in inflation (3)
I believe the answer is:
air
'inflation' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I can't see?
'a contributory factor' is the wordplay.
'contributory factor' becomes 'ir' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'a'+'ir'='AIR'
'in' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for air that I've seen before include "Broadcast j" , "Expose" , "Ventilate, give voice to" , "Demeanour" , "If it's hot, it's boastful" .)