Bolster: Strengthen Your Vocabulary for the SAT
Learn about the word ‘bolster’ – its meanings as a verb and noun, etymology, synonyms, antonyms, and usage examples. This video helps you avoid common mistakes and use ‘bolster’ correctly in your writing and speech, boosting your SAT vocabulary skills.
Imagine you’re giving a presentation, and suddenly your confidence starts to waver. What you need at that moment is something to bolster your self-assurance.
Today, we’re exploring the word bolster, a powerful term that can strengthen your vocabulary and your SAT score.
Word type: Bolster functions as both a noun and a verb in the English language.
Meaning: As a verb, bolster means to support, strengthen, or uplift something.
As a noun, it refers to a long pillow or cushion used for support, especially on a bed.
Word history:
The word bolster has its roots in Old English, derived from the word bolster, meaning a long pillow.
It’s related to the Old Norse bolstr, which had a similar meaning. Over time, its usage expanded from the physical support of a cushion to the more abstract notion of providing support or strengthening something.
Synonyms: Some synonyms for bolster include reinforce, strengthen, support, boost, and fortify.
Antonyms:
Antonyms of bolster are weaken, undermine, discourage, and hinder.
Examples use in sentences: Let’s look at how to use bolster in different contexts.
The coach’s pep talk helped to bolster the team’s morale before the big game. The company decided to bolster its defenses against cyber attacks by hiring more IT security experts.
She used several bolsters on her bed to create a comfortable reading nook. Common errors in use: One common mistake is confusing bolster with boast.
While bolster means to support or strengthen, boast means to brag or speak with excessive pride. For example, You might say, The new evidence bolstered their case, not The new evidence boasted their case.
Another error is using bolster when uplift would be more appropriate in certain contexts. Bolster implies strengthening or supporting something that already exists, while uplift can mean to elevate something to a higher level.
To wrap up, bolster is a versatile word that can add strength to your writing and speech. Whether you’re describing how to reinforce an argument, support a friend, or even arrange pillows on a bed, bolster is a powerful word to have in your vocabulary arsenal.
Remember its dual nature as both a noun and a verb, and you’ll be well-equipped to use it effectively in your SAT and beyond.
