Bolster
/ˈboʊlstər/
verbnounB2
Definition
As a verb, "bolster" means to make something stronger or better by giving help or support. As a noun, it is a type of pillow that helps support your body, usually placed under other pillows or used for comfort.
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See It in Action
Verb: To support or strengthen something
- •The new evidence will bolster the lawyer’s case.
- •She bolstered her confidence before the exam by practicing a lot.
- •The government plans to bolster the economy with new policies.
Noun: A long, firm pillow used for support
- •He placed a bolster behind his back while sitting.
- •The bed had decorative bolsters along with regular pillows.
- •She hugged the bolster to feel comfortable while resting.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "bolster" like "help," but stronger and more about making something steady or firm.
- ✓Picture a long pillow placed under your neck or back to give extra support and comfort.
- ✓It's the feeling when someone encourages you and makes you feel more confident or secure.
- ✓Sounds like "BOWL-ster" → imagine a bowl holding and supporting something heavy without breaking.
- ✓In stories, a character might bolster a friend’s courage before a big challenge, giving strength.
- ✓NOT like "break" (which means to damage), "bolster" means to fix or support to keep strong.
- ✓As a verb, it's self-driven support to improve strength, NOT damage or weaken.
- ✓As a noun, it’s a physical object that holds or supports, unlike a regular pillow that is soft and loose.
- ✓NOT like "help" (which can be small or casual), "bolster" means strong, firm support.
- ✓NOT like "cushion" (soft and gentle), a bolster is long and firm, giving solid support.
Try Other Words
- •Strengthen: to make stronger (Use when focusing on making something more powerful or effective)
- •Reinforce: to add extra support (Use when adding strength to something already existing)
- •Encourage: to give confidence or hope (Use when focusing on emotional or moral support)
- •Cushion: a soft pillow (Use when talking about soft comfort instead of firm support)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (No clear prefix or suffix; root word "bolster")
- •Etymology: From Old English "bolster," meaning a long pillow or cushion for support
- •Historical development: Originally a noun meaning a support pillow; later also used as a verb meaning to support or strengthen
- •Modern usage: Used both as a noun (pillow) and verb (to support or strengthen something physically or emotionally)
- •Key insight: The noun and verb share the idea of giving support, either physically (pillow) or abstractly (help or strength)
Reflect & Connect
•How can you bolster your own confidence when you feel unsure or nervous?
•In what ways can communities bolster each other during difficult times?
Fill in the blanks
1.The coach’s speech helped bolster the team’s ___ before the big game.
2.To bolster the bridge, engineers added extra ___ to hold more weight.
3.She used a bolster pillow to support her ___ while reading in bed.
4.The new facts will bolster the scientist’s ___ about the experiment.
5.When someone feels sad, kind words can bolster their ___ and hope.
6.Unlike a soft pillow, a bolster is ___ and helps keep your posture straight.
7.The company’s profits were bolstered ___ the success of their new product.