bolster
C1formal, neutral
Definition
Meaning
to support, strengthen, or reinforce something; also, a long thick pillow.
As a verb: to provide crucial support that makes something more effective or resilient. As a noun: any support or reinforcement, or a cushioned structural support in various contexts (e.g., automotive).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as a transitive verb requiring an object. The noun sense (pillow) is less common in everyday language but common in furniture/design contexts. The verb implies active, often external, reinforcement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use verb and noun senses identically.
Connotations
Slightly more formal in both varieties. The noun (pillow) might be more recognised in UK furnishings.
Frequency
Similar moderate frequency in both. Slightly higher in business/academic contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
VERB + OBJECT (e.g., bolster something)VERB + OBJECT + with + NOUN (e.g., bolster an argument with evidence)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Bolster the ranks (to add support or numbers)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
New data will bolster our market position.
Academic
The discovery bolsters the theory of continental drift.
Everyday
A good breakfast can bolster your energy for the day.
Technical
The engineer bolsters the beam with a steel plate.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The government announced new funds to bolster the NHS.
- He bolstered his claim with official documents.
American English
- The policy is designed to bolster national security.
- She bolstered the shelf with an extra bracket.
adverb
British English
- N/A (No standard adverbial form)
American English
- N/A (No standard adverbial form)
adjective
British English
- N/A (No standard adjectival form)
American English
- N/A (No standard adjectival form)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She put a bolster behind her back in bed.
- The coach gave a speech to bolster the team's confidence.
- The sofa has two bolsters at each end.
- The new evidence significantly bolstered the prosecution's case.
- Investments in infrastructure will bolster regional development.
- The central bank intervened to bolster the currency against speculative attacks.
- His rigorous research bolsters an otherwise controversial hypothesis.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BOLT of support - a BOLSter holds something up firmly.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUPPORT IS A PILLOW/PROPPING DEVICE (from the noun). STRENGTHENING IS ADDING STRUCTURAL SUPPORT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not 'to pillow' or 'to cushion' in the verb sense. Avoid using for simple 'help' or 'assist' as it implies making something fundamentally stronger.
Common Mistakes
- Using it intransitively (e.g., 'The team bolstered' is incorrect). Confusing with 'boost' - 'bolster' implies underlying support, 'boost' a temporary increase.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'bolster' INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral to formal. Common in writing, news, and academic contexts, less common in casual speech.
Yes, it's a noun for a long pillow or a structural support, but the verb is more frequent in general use.
'Bolster' implies providing foundational support to make something stronger. 'Boost' suggests a more immediate lift or increase in level, often temporary.
Generally neutral/positive. It can be negative if supporting something bad (e.g., 'bolstering a dictator'), but the word itself is not negative.