bolster
/ˈbəʊlstə/
Group 6Difficulty 1/3
Definitions
- (verb)
- To support or strengthen; to prop up GRE
- (noun)
- A long, thick pillow
Example in Context
The government introduced fiscal stimulus measures designed to bolster consumer confidence and prevent the economy from sliding into recession.
Synonyms
booststrengthenreinforce
Etymology
To support or prop something up, like a pillow.
- bolster (Old English) — to support
Memory Aid
🍲Sounds like “bowl stir”
Imagine a BOWL STIRRING itself upright with a BOLSTER of pillows — it needs support!
Visual Association
🛏️A stack of pillows supporting a slumping couch, giving it new life.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “bolster” mean on the GRE?
bolster (verb) means “To support or strengthen; to prop up”. The government introduced fiscal stimulus measures designed to bolster consumer confidence and prevent the economy from sliding into recession.
How to remember “bolster” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “bolster” sounds like “bowl stir”. Imagine a BOWL STIRRING itself upright with a BOLSTER of pillows — it needs support!
What are synonyms for “bolster”?
Common synonyms: boost, strengthen, reinforce.