Bolster: Definition and Synonyms
Bolster – Definition and Part of Speech
The word bolster can function as both a noun and a verb, making it versatile in various contexts. As a noun, “bolster” refers to a long, usually cylindrical cushion used to support the body, often seen on beds or sofas. As a verb, bolster means to support, strengthen, or reinforce something. It implies providing additional strength or stability, whether physical, emotional, financial, or otherwise.
Core Synonyms
Below is a table of core synonyms for “bolster” with their nuances, example sentences, and typical style/register:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reinforce | Emphasizes adding strength to support existing structure. | “The additional funding served to reinforce the project’s budget.” | Formal, Academic |
| Support | Broad usage for providing assistance or encouragement. | “Community efforts are crucial in supporting local businesses during tough times.” | Informal/Casual |
| Strengthen | Suggests increasing power or effectiveness. | “Regular exercise can strengthen your immune system.” | Business/Formal |
| Prop up | Implies offering temporary aid to prevent failure. | “The company was on the brink of collapse, but a new investment helped prop it up for now.” | Informal/Casual |
| Augment | Often used in contexts involving enhancement or addition. | “To augment their research, they included data from several recent studies.” | Academic/Formal |
Usage Notes
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Reinforce: This synonym is frequently found in formal and academic contexts where the focus is on strengthening structures, theories, or arguments. It’s often used when talking about policies, frameworks, or systems that require additional support.
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Support: With its broad applicability, “support” can be employed across various styles of communication—from casual conversations to business discussions—where providing assistance or encouragement is intended.
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Strengthen: Often associated with increasing effectiveness or power, this word is preferred in contexts involving improvement of skills, systems, or capabilities. It suits formal writing and presentations where emphasis on enhancement is key.
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Prop up: Used more informally, “prop up” implies a temporary solution to keep something functioning. It’s commonly seen in casual speech when referring to short-term fixes rather than long-term solutions.
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Augment: This term is most often found in academic or technical writing where the goal is to enhance or increase capacity through additional means. It’s frequently used in research contexts.
Common Pitfalls
One common pitfall with “bolster” and its synonyms is the overlap in their meanings, which can lead to confusion about the precise context in which each should be used. For example, while both “support” and “reinforce” imply assistance, “reinforce” specifically suggests adding strength, whereas “support” can refer more generally to any kind of aid.
Another potential issue is using “augment” when simply intending to support or reinforce; “augment” conveys a sense of addition rather than merely strengthening what already exists. Understanding these nuances ensures accurate and effective communication.
Final Recap
To summarize, the key synonyms for “bolster” include reinforce, support, strengthen, prop up, and augment. Each synonym carries unique nuances that make it suitable for particular contexts:
- Reinforce: Emphasizes structural or conceptual strength.
- Support: Broad and versatile, used widely in both formal and casual settings.
- Strengthen: Focuses on increasing power or effectiveness.
- Prop up: Implies temporary assistance to prevent failure.
- Augment: Involves enhancement through addition.
We encourage readers to practice these synonyms by writing their own sentences or trying them out in conversation. By doing so, they can gain a deeper understanding of each term’s unique application and improve their overall language skills.