Buttress
hardPositive toneBUH-trus
verb
Definition
To provide support or reinforcement for something
Memory hook
BUTT-ress: A wall that BUTTS against a building to support it -- like a flying buttress.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“Additional research will buttress our argument.”
“The government buttressed the failing industry with subsidies.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“Additional research will ______ our argument.”
Show answer
buttress
Categories
GRE Tip
Buttress is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "support" or "reinforce" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "undermine".
Related GRE Words
fortify
To strengthen or secure a place with defensive works; to strengthen or invigorate
reinforce
To strengthen or support, especially with additional material or resources
undergird
To support or strengthen from below
bolster
To support or strengthen; to prop up
advocate
To publicly recommend or support a particular cause or policy
champion
To vigorously support or defend the cause of
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