To bolster means to make something stronger or to give it more support. Imagine you have a wobbly table; if you put something under one of its legs to make it stand firm, you are bolstering it. In a similar way, if you have an idea, and you find more facts or reasons to show it is good, you are bolstering your idea. It is like adding extra strength or proof to something so it doesn't fall apart or so people believe in it more. So, bolstering helps things become more solid and secure, whether it's a physical object or an idea.
§ How to use it in a sentence — grammar, prepositions
- Word
- bolster
- Part of Speech
- Verb
- Common Collocations
- bolster an argument, bolster confidence, bolster support, bolster the economy, bolster defenses
§ Grammar and Usage
The verb 'bolster' is transitive, meaning it typically takes a direct object. You 'bolster something' or 'bolster someone/something'. It is commonly used in both active and passive voice constructions.
§ Active Voice
In the active voice, the subject performs the action of bolstering. The structure is usually: Subject + bolster(s) + Object.
The new evidence helped to bolster the lawyer's argument.
Regular exercise can bolster your immune system.
§ Passive Voice
In the passive voice, the object of the action becomes the subject. The structure is usually: Object + to be (is/are/was/were) + bolstered + (by Subject, optional).
The company's financial position was bolstered by the recent investment.
Their confidence has been bolstered by their recent successes.
§ Prepositions with 'Bolster'
While 'bolster' itself doesn't always require a preposition, certain prepositions can be used to add nuance or connect the bolstered item to its source of support.
- Bolster + (direct object) + with/by: This construction is used to indicate what is providing the support or strengthening.
The government aims to bolster the economy with new stimulus packages.
He tried to bolster his reputation by volunteering for several charitable causes.
- Bolster + (direct object) + against: This construction indicates that the bolstered item is being strengthened to resist something.
The country needs to bolster its defenses against cyber-attacks.
§ Examples in Academic and Professional Contexts
§ Reinforcing an argument or theory:
When presenting research or engaging in debate, you often need to provide evidence to make your points more convincing.
The study's findings significantly bolster the hypothesis that early intervention improves educational outcomes.
She used historical data to bolster her claim about the long-term impact of economic sanctions.
§ Strengthening a financial position:
In business and finance, 'bolster' is frequently used to discuss improving a company's or an individual's financial stability.
The company issued new shares to bolster its capital reserves.
Increased sales revenue helped to bolster the firm's profitability in the last quarter.
§ Providing support or encouragement:
'Bolster' can also refer to supporting morale, confidence, or a person's resolve.
The coach's encouraging words helped to bolster the team's spirits before the final match.
Receiving positive feedback can significantly bolster an employee's confidence.
§ Academic and Professional Contexts
The word "bolster" is a versatile term frequently encountered in academic and professional settings. It signifies the act of strengthening, supporting, or reinforcing an argument, a theory, a position, or even a physical structure. Understanding its nuances can significantly enhance your comprehension and communication in these environments.
The recent research findings are expected to bolster the scientific community's understanding of climate change.
In academic writing, you'll often see "bolster" used when discussing evidence or data that supports a thesis. For instance, a scientist might present new experimental results that "bolster" their hypothesis, providing more robust proof for their claims. Similarly, in a persuasive essay, a student might use various sources to "bolster" their argument, making it more convincing and less susceptible to counterarguments.
- DEFINITION
- To support, strengthen, or provide additional evidence for something, making it more effective or resilient. In an academic or professional context, it often refers to reinforcing an argument, a theory, or a financial position.
To bolster the company's financial position, the board approved a new investment strategy.
§ News and Current Events
News reports frequently employ "bolster" when discussing economic policies, political strategies, or public opinion. For example, a government might introduce new legislation to "bolster" the economy, or a political candidate might present a strong platform to "bolster" their public support. It's a word that conveys a sense of proactive strengthening and reinforcement.
- A recent jobs report could bolster confidence in the stock market.
- The community outreach program aims to bolster local engagement.
- New evidence emerged to bolster the prosecution's case.
In the context of international relations, you might read about countries forming alliances to "bolster" their collective security, or providing aid to "bolster" a developing nation's infrastructure. The word highlights the intentional act of providing support to achieve a desired outcome.
§ Everyday Conversations (Less Common but Present)
While "bolster" is more prevalent in formal contexts, you might occasionally hear it in everyday conversations, especially when someone is trying to emphasize the strengthening of an idea or a feeling. For instance, a friend might say, "Your kind words really helped to bolster my spirits after a tough day." Here, it refers to an emotional reinforcement.
The coach's motivational speech served to bolster the team's confidence before the big game.
Understanding "bolster" enriches your vocabulary, allowing you to articulate ideas of support and reinforcement with greater precision. It's a word that adds gravitas and specificity to your language, whether you're discussing complex theories or simply how someone's actions can uplift another's mood.
§ Similar words and when to use this one vs alternatives
The word "bolster" carries a specific nuance of strengthening or supporting something that already exists, often to make it more robust or convincing. While several synonyms exist, each has subtle differences in meaning and usage.
- Reinforce
- This is perhaps the closest synonym to "bolster." It implies adding strength or support to something, often to prevent it from weakening or failing. While "bolster" can be used broadly, "reinforce" often suggests a more physical or structural strengthening. For example, you might reinforce a wall with steel beams, or reinforce an argument with additional evidence. Both can be used interchangeably in many contexts, especially when discussing abstract concepts like arguments or theories. However, "bolster" often implies an act of encouragement or improvement, whereas "reinforce" can sometimes imply a more defensive act.
The engineer decided to reinforce the bridge's weakest points.
- Strengthen
- "Strengthen" is a very general term that means to make something stronger or more powerful. It can apply to a wide range of situations, from physical objects to abstract concepts. While "bolster" specifically implies adding support, "strengthen" can refer to improving something's inherent quality or capability. For instance, you might strengthen your immune system, or strengthen a company's financial position. "Bolster" often focuses on external support, while "strengthen" can refer to internal improvement.
Regular exercise helps to strengthen your muscles and bones.
- Support
- "Support" is another broad term meaning to hold up or keep something from falling or failing. It can refer to physical support (like a pillar supporting a roof) or abstract support (like supporting a friend during a difficult time). "Bolster" is a more active and often more strategic form of support, suggesting a deliberate effort to enhance something. While you might support a claim by providing evidence, you would bolster it by adding *additional* compelling evidence to make it irrefutable.
The community offered unwavering support to the victims of the disaster.
- Shore up
- This phrasal verb means to support something that is weak or about to fail. It often has a sense of urgency or temporary action to prevent collapse. While "bolster" can also be used in such contexts, "shore up" specifically implies addressing a weakness or imminent threat. For example, a company might shore up its finances during a recession. "Bolster" can be more about proactive improvement, while "shore up" is often reactive.
The government took measures to shore up public confidence in the economy.
- Buttress
- Similar to "shore up," "buttress" often implies providing physical support, typically with a structure, to prevent something from falling or collapsing. It is frequently used in architectural contexts. Metaphorically, it can mean to strengthen an argument or a system with strong evidence or principles. "Bolster" is a more general term for providing support or strengthening, while "buttress" carries a stronger connotation of structural or foundational reinforcement.
The new data will buttress their argument for increased funding.
When to use "bolster":
- Use "bolster" when you want to emphasize the act of providing *additional* support or strength to something that might already exist but needs enhancement.
- It is particularly effective in academic and professional contexts to describe strengthening arguments, theories, or financial positions.
- "Bolster" often carries a positive connotation, implying an effort to improve or secure something, rather than just preventing failure.
- It can be used for both tangible and intangible things, making it a versatile word.
In summary, while many words can be used to express the idea of strengthening or supporting, "bolster" stands out for its emphasis on providing supplementary reinforcement, often with the goal of making something more effective, resilient, or convincing. Its application in academic and professional settings highlights its utility for describing the strategic enhancement of existing structures, ideas, or situations.
مثالها بر اساس سطح
The new research findings effectively bolster the long-held theory, offering irrefutable empirical evidence.
New research findings strengthen the old theory with strong evidence.
Here, 'bolster' is used as a verb in the present tense, taking 'the long-held theory' as its direct object.
To bolster his argument during the debate, the senator cited numerous historical precedents and expert testimonies.
To strengthen his debate argument, the senator used historical examples and expert opinions.
In this sentence, 'bolster' functions as an infinitive verb, indicating purpose ('to bolster').
The government introduced a series of economic reforms designed to bolster the nation's struggling manufacturing sector.
Government reforms aimed to strengthen the struggling manufacturing industry.
'Bolster' is again used as an infinitive verb, expressing the objective of the economic reforms.
Critical infrastructure projects are crucial to bolster a country's resilience against natural disasters and economic shocks.
Important infrastructure helps a country withstand natural disasters and economic problems.
Here, 'bolster' is an infinitive, showing what the projects aim to achieve.
The CEO's inspiring speech served to bolster employee morale, instilling a renewed sense of purpose and motivation.
The CEO's speech lifted employee spirits, giving them new purpose.
'Bolster' is used as an infinitive, indicating the effect of the speech.
International alliances often seek to bolster collective security, ensuring mutual defense and stability among member states.
International groups often aim to strengthen shared security for mutual defense.
'Bolster' is an infinitive verb, describing the goal of international alliances.
Advanced cybersecurity measures are essential to bolster digital defenses against sophisticated and evolving cyber threats.
Strong cybersecurity is key to improving digital protection from online threats.
Here, 'bolster' is an infinitive, indicating the purpose of cybersecurity measures.
Her meticulous research and rigorous methodology significantly bolster the credibility of her controversial findings.
Her careful research and strict methods greatly strengthen the trustworthiness of her debated results.
In this sentence, 'bolster' is a verb in the present tense, with 'research and methodology' as the subject.
نحوه استفاده
When using 'bolster,' consider the specific aspect being strengthened. For instance, you can bolster an argument with new evidence, bolster a company's financial position with investments, or bolster morale with positive reinforcement. It implies a conscious effort to improve or reinforce something that already exists.
A common mistake is using 'bolster' interchangeably with 'create' or 'establish.' 'Bolster' implies enhancing something already present, not bringing something new into existence. For example, you wouldn't 'bolster a new theory' but rather 'bolster an existing theory with new data.' Another mistake is using it without a clear object; ensure it's clear what is being strengthened. For instance, 'The team bolstered' is incomplete; it should be 'The team bolstered its efforts.'
خودت رو بسنج 30 سوال
Write a sentence using 'bolster' to say how a friend helps you feel stronger.
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
پاسخ نمونه
My friend helps to bolster my confidence when I am sad.
Imagine you have a small plant. Write a sentence using 'bolster' to describe how you would support it so it grows tall.
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
پاسخ نمونه
I use a stick to bolster my plant so it can grow tall.
You are building a tower with blocks. Write a sentence using 'bolster' to explain how you make it more stable.
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
پاسخ نمونه
I put more blocks at the bottom to bolster my tower and make it stable.
What will vegetables do for my health?
این متن را بخوانید:
My mom told me to eat my vegetables. She said they will bolster my health. This means I will be strong and healthy if I eat them.
What will vegetables do for my health?
The passage says 'bolster my health', and then explains 'This means I will be strong and healthy'. So, 'bolster' means to make something stronger.
The passage says 'bolster my health', and then explains 'This means I will be strong and healthy'. So, 'bolster' means to make something stronger.
What did the extra practice do for my understanding of math?
این متن را بخوانید:
My teacher gave me extra practice. She said it would bolster my understanding of math. Now I understand math better.
What did the extra practice do for my understanding of math?
The passage says 'bolster my understanding' and then 'Now I understand math better'. This shows that the practice made the understanding stronger.
The passage says 'bolster my understanding' and then 'Now I understand math better'. This shows that the practice made the understanding stronger.
What did the new strong wood do for the bridge?
این متن را بخوانید:
The small bridge needed help. Workers put new strong wood under it. This helped to bolster the bridge so cars could drive over it safely.
What did the new strong wood do for the bridge?
The passage states that the new wood 'helped to bolster the bridge so cars could drive over it safely', meaning it made the bridge stronger.
The passage states that the new wood 'helped to bolster the bridge so cars could drive over it safely', meaning it made the bridge stronger.
This sentence means 'I make my bed stronger or more comfortable.'
This sentence means 'She makes her toy stronger.'
This sentence means 'He makes his chair stronger.'
Write a short sentence about how a good breakfast can bolster your energy for the day.
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
پاسخ نمونه
Eating a healthy breakfast will bolster my energy for school.
Imagine you have a plant that is falling over. What could you use to bolster it so it stands up straight?
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
پاسخ نمونه
I can use a stick to bolster the plant.
Write one sentence about how good friends can bolster your mood when you are sad.
خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.
پاسخ نمونه
My friends can bolster my mood when I feel sad.
What does the strong wall do for the old house?
این متن را بخوانید:
A strong wall helps to bolster the old house. Without the wall, the house might fall down in a big storm. The wall makes the house safer.
What does the strong wall do for the old house?
The passage states that the strong wall helps to 'bolster' the house, meaning it makes it stronger and safer.
The passage states that the strong wall helps to 'bolster' the house, meaning it makes it stronger and safer.
What is a good way to bolster your health?
این متن را بخوانید:
Eating fruits and vegetables can bolster your health. When you eat well, your body is stronger and you feel better. This helps you to stay healthy.
What is a good way to bolster your health?
The passage directly says that 'Eating fruits and vegetables can bolster your health'.
The passage directly says that 'Eating fruits and vegetables can bolster your health'.
How can a teacher bolster a student's confidence?
این متن را بخوانید:
A good teacher can bolster a student's confidence. When a teacher says 'Good job!' or helps with hard questions, students feel better about learning. This helps them to try harder.
How can a teacher bolster a student's confidence?
The passage explains that 'When a teacher says 'Good job!' or helps with hard questions, students feel better about learning,' which bolsters their confidence.
The passage explains that 'When a teacher says 'Good job!' or helps with hard questions, students feel better about learning,' which bolsters their confidence.
The company decided to ___ its security measures after the recent cyber attack.
To 'bolster' means to strengthen or support, which is the appropriate action for security measures after an attack.
To ___ his argument, he provided several examples from real-life situations.
To 'bolster' an argument means to strengthen it with evidence, like examples.
She worked hard to ___ her confidence before the big presentation.
To 'bolster' confidence means to increase and strengthen it.
The manager wanted to ___ team morale by organizing a fun outing.
To 'bolster' team morale means to improve and strengthen the team's spirits.
The government introduced new policies to ___ the economy during the recession.
To 'bolster' the economy means to support and strengthen it, especially during a difficult period.
Eating nutritious food can help to ___ your immune system.
To 'bolster' the immune system means to strengthen its ability to fight off illness.
The sentence describes someone attempting to strengthen their argument or stance by introducing additional proof.
This sentence illustrates how an investment can strengthen a company's financial health.
This sentence shows how new incentives can strengthen or improve the morale of a team.
/ 30 درست
نمره کامل!
مثال
She used a few extra logs to bolster the dying fire.
محتوای مرتبط
آن را در متن یاد بگیرید
عبارات مرتبط
واژههای بیشتر Actions
abcredance
C1اعتبار یا اعتبار ادعا، فرایند یا سندی را بر اساس شواهد دقیق به طور رسمی اعطا کردن.
abnasccide
C1چیزی که ذاتاً تمایل داره در یه مرحلهی خاصی از خودش جدا بشه یا کنده بشه.
absorb
B2جذب کردن یعنی چیزی رو به خودش گرفتن، مثل اسفنج که آب رو جذب میکنه، یا فهمیدن اطلاعات.
abstain
C1To voluntarily refrain from an action or practice, especially one that is considered unhealthy or morally questionable. It is also used formally to describe the act of choosing not to cast a vote in an election or deliberation.
abvictly
C1حل قاطعانه و ناگهانی یک وضعیت یا اختلاف پیچیده با اعمال نیروی قاطع یا اقتدار بینهایت.
abvitfy
C1"abvitfy" توانایی سازگاری سریع با تغییرات تکنولوژیکی رو توصیف میکنه، یه جور انعطافپذیریه.
accelerate
C1To increase the speed or rate of something, or to make a process happen sooner than expected. In technical contexts, it refers to the rate of change of velocity, while in general contexts, it often describes the speeding up of progress or development.
accept
A1یعنی چیزی رو که بهت تعارف کردن قبول کنی یا به یک دعوت جواب مثبت بدی. گاهی هم به معنی کنار اومدن با یک حقیقته.
achieve
A2یعنی بعد از کلی تلاش، به یه هدفی برسی یا کاری رو تموم کنی. در واقع با سختکوشی یه نتیجه مثبت بگیری.
acquiesce
C1با اکراه و بدون اعتراض پذیرفتن چیزی. چون چاره دیگری نیست، موافقت میکنند.
