What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
contrefort
Example
The contrefort was added to the cathedral to provide additional support. [contrefort: noun]
Example
The church's contreforts were decorated with intricate carvings. [contreforts: plural noun]
buttress
Example
The buttress was added to the castle walls to prevent them from collapsing. [buttress: noun]
Example
The cathedral's buttresses were adorned with gargoyles. [buttresses: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Buttress is more commonly used than contrefort in everyday language, especially in English-speaking countries. Buttress is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while contrefort is less common and more specific to French Gothic architecture.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between contrefort and buttress?
Both contrefort and buttress are formal terms that are typically used in technical or academic contexts related to architecture or engineering.
