What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
buttress
Example
The cathedral's buttresses helped to support the weight of the towering walls. [buttresses: noun]
Example
She acted as a buttress for her friend during a difficult time. [buttress: verb]
support
Example
The pillars support the roof of the building. [support: verb]
Example
He received emotional support from his family during the challenging period. [support: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Support is more commonly used than buttress in everyday language and conversations. Support is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while buttress is less common and has a more specialized usage.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between buttress and support?
While buttress is typically associated with a more formal tone, support is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.