Word: buttress (noun and verb)

Associations

The word "buttress" can be a noun or a verb.

As a noun, a buttress is a structure built against a wall to support or strengthen it. Think of old castles or churches with stone supports sticking out from the walls.

As a verb, "to buttress" means to support or strengthen something, like an argument, idea, or physical object.

Examples:

• Noun: The cathedral has flying buttresses to hold up its tall walls.
• Verb: She used facts to buttress her argument in the debate.
• Verb: The company’s strong sales figures buttress its plan for expansion.

Synonym difference:

• "Support" is a common synonym. "Buttress" often implies strong, visible, or structural support, sometimes external. "Support" is more general and can be physical or abstract.

Substitution

Instead of "buttress" (verb), you can say:

• Support (more general)
• Strengthen (focus on making stronger)
• Reinforce (often physical or abstract strengthening) Example: "She reinforced her claim with evidence" is similar to "She buttressed her claim with evidence."

Deconstruction

"Buttress" comes from Old French "bouterez," from "bouter" meaning "to push or thrust." The idea is something pushing against a wall to keep it strong.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you had to "buttress" your opinion with facts?
• How is a buttress different from just a regular wall or support?
• Have you ever seen a building with visible buttresses? What did they look like?