buttress
/'bʌtris/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- A projecting support built against a wall: A buttress is a structure, typically made of stone or brick, that is built against a wall to strengthen or support it, especially in architecture.
- Something that serves to support, prop, or reinforce: In a figurative sense, a buttress is a person, thing, or argument that provides support or reinforcement.
Verb:
- To support or strengthen: To buttress something means to provide it with support, reinforcement, or a strong defense, making it more stable or defensible.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The ancient cathedral's flying buttresses are both functional and beautiful.
- Her unwavering loyalty was a buttress to him during the difficult times.
- Verb:
- The lawyer worked to buttress her case with new evidence.
- We need to buttress this old wall before the next storm.
Advanced Usage
- "To buttress up": To support or reinforce something, often an argument or a structure.
- He tried to buttress up his theory with data from recent studies.
Variants and Related Words
- Buttressed (adj): Supported or strengthened by a buttress.
- The buttressed walls have stood for centuries.
- Buttressing (n/gerund): The action or process of providing support.
- The buttressing of the argument was thorough.
Synonyms
- Noun: Prop, support, brace, mainstay, bulwark.
- Verb: Strengthen, reinforce, bolster, shore up, underpin.
Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)
- Buttress up: (See "Advanced Usage" above). To reinforce or provide additional support for something.
- The engineers had to buttress up the foundation of the building.
Related Idioms
- To act as a buttress: To serve as a strong source of support for someone or something.
- In the family crisis, her calm presence acted as a buttress for everyone.
Noun
- a support usually of stone or brick; supports the wall of a building
Verb
- make stronger or defensible
- buttress your thesis
- reinforce with a buttress
- Buttress the church