bolster
Strengthen or support
Examples
In a meeting
“These testimonials will bolster our proposal significantly.”
Over coffee
“A good breakfast really bolsters your energy for the whole day.”
Why this word
support
Bolster implies strengthening something already existing, while support is broader and may refer to initial or ongoing help
help
Bolster specifically means to reinforce or prop up, while help is vague about the type of assistance
strengthen
Bolster often implies adding support from the outside, while strengthen may refer to internal improvement
Usage tip
Use when describing adding support or strength to something that already exists
Etymology
Old English 'bolster' (cushion, support)
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Related words
supplement
To add something extra to enhance or complete something.
amplify
Increase the strength or intensity of something
endorse
To publicly declare support or approval for something
solidify
To make something more definite, stable, or established
proponent
A person who advocates for or supports something
fortify
To strengthen or secure; to make more resistant