reinforce
To strengthen or support something that already exists
Examples
In a meeting
“These customer testimonials will reinforce our credibility in the marketplace.”
Over coffee
“Seeing that documentary really reinforced my decision to recycle more.”
Why this word
strengthen
reinforce implies adding support to existing structure, while strengthen is general improvement of strength
support
reinforce specifically means adding to make stronger, while support may just maintain current state
bolster
reinforce suggests adding material or structural support, while bolster is more about propping up or encouraging
Usage tip
Use when adding to existing strength, not creating something new from scratch
Etymology
French 'renforcer' from 're-' (again) + 'enforcer' (to strengthen) from Latin 'fortis' (strong)
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Related words
supplement
To add something extra to enhance or complete something.
bolster
Strengthen or support
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