Word
bolster
Phoneticsbol·ster, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈboʊɫstɝ/
UK/bˈəʊlstɐ/
Definitions
01to support or strengthen
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to make something stronger or better.
v. to support, strengthen, or reinforce something, especially an abstract concept like confidence or an argument.
“The new evidence helped bolster her case in court.”
“The central bank's decision to lower interest rates was intended to bolster consumer confidence during the economic downturn.”
Synonyms
02structural support
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Technical
n. a piece of wood or metal used to support a heavy weight in a machine or building.
n. a structural part designed to provide support or reduce friction, such as a timber on a post or a plate in a machine.
“The engineer checked the steel bolster for signs of wear.”
“The heavy-duty wagon was fitted with a reinforced bolster to ensure the axle could withstand the pressure of the timber load.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.
Real-World Examples
“China’s premier, Li Qiang, suggested on Monday that efforts to bolster overseas demand for goods could be used to make up for weak domestic demand.” “Richardson notes one of the reasons to do this is to bolster resumes in service of academic advancement.” “Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans bolster an area of the squad that desperately needed to improve.” Etymology
From Middle English bolster, bolstre, from Old English bolster (“pillow”), from Proto-West Germanic bolstr, from Proto-Germanic bulstraz (“pillow, cushion”). Cognate with Scots bowster (“bolster”), West Frisian bulster (“mattress”), Dutch bolster (“husk, shell”), German Polster (“bolster, pillow, pad”), Swedish bolster (“soft mattress, bolster”), Icelandic bólstur (“pillow”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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