What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
undergirded
Example
The success of the project was undergirded by a strong team and clear communication. [undergirded: past tense verb]
Example
The theory is undergirded by the principle of cause and effect. [undergirded: past participle adjective]
buttress
Example
The buttress supports the weight of the cathedral's walls. [buttress: noun]
Example
The study used data to buttress its conclusions. [buttress: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Buttress is more commonly used than undergirded in everyday language. Buttress is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while undergirded is less common and more formal, often used in academic or technical writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between undergirded and buttress?
Undergirded is typically associated with a more formal tone, while buttress can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
