Definition

1. Noun:
   • A supporting structure: "buttressing" refers to a built structure, typically made of stone or brick, that provides reinforcement and stability to a wall or building.
   • The action or system of support: It can also refer to the architectural concept or act of providing such support.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The Gothic cathedral's flying buttressing is both functional and beautiful. (The external arched supports of the Gothic cathedral are both functional and beautiful.)
  • The ancient wall required extensive buttressing to prevent its collapse. (The ancient wall needed extensive supporting structures to prevent its collapse.)

Advanced Usage

• "To serve as buttressing": to function as a support or reinforcement.
  • The new legislation serves as buttressing for environmental protections. (The new legislation functions as a reinforcement for environmental protections.)

Variants and Related Words

• Buttress (noun/verb): The more common form. As a noun, it means a projecting support. As a verb, it means to support or strengthen.

  • They built a stone buttress against the leaning tower.
  • He buttressed his argument with solid data.

• Buttressed (adjective): Describes something that is supported or reinforced.

  • The buttressed walls have stood for centuries.

Synonyms

• Support: A thing that bears the weight of something.
• Reinforcement: The action of strengthening.
• Prop: A pole or beam used as a temporary support.
• Brace: A device that clamps things together or supports them.

Antonyms

• Undermining: The action of weakening or wearing away the base.
• Weakening: The process of making something less strong.

Noun

1. a support usually of stone or brick; supports the wall of a building