Definitions
- Describing the act of supporting or strengthening something physically or metaphorically. - Referring to providing additional assistance or reinforcement to someone or something. - Talking about enhancing or improving the effectiveness or success of something.
- Referring to providing support or reinforcement to a structure, such as a building or wall. - Describing the act of strengthening an argument or position with evidence or reasoning. - Talking about reinforcing or fortifying something to make it more stable or secure.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words involve providing support or reinforcement.
- 2Both words can be used in a physical or metaphorical sense.
- 3Both words aim to strengthen or enhance something.
- 4Both words imply the idea of adding extra support or reinforcement.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Bolster is more commonly used in a general sense to describe support or strengthening, while buttress is more specific to providing support to a structure or argument.
- 2Focus: Bolster emphasizes the act of enhancing or improving something, while buttress focuses on reinforcing or fortifying something to make it more stable or secure.
- 3Physical vs. Abstract: Bolster can be used both in physical and metaphorical contexts, while buttress is primarily used in physical contexts or in relation to arguments or positions.
- 4Form: Bolster can be used as a noun or a verb, while buttress is primarily used as a noun but can also be used as a verb.
Remember this!
Bolster and buttress are synonyms that both convey the idea of providing support or reinforcement. However, there are some differences in their usage and focus. Bolster is a more general term that can be used in various contexts to describe the act of strengthening or enhancing something, while buttress is more specific and often used in relation to supporting structures or arguments. Additionally, bolster can be used as both a noun and a verb, while buttress is primarily used as a noun.
