buttress
/ˈbʌtɹəs/
Group 24Difficulty 2/3
Definitions
- (verb)
- To increase the strength of or justification for; to reinforce GRE
- (noun)
- A structure of stone or brick built against a wall to support it GRE
Example in Context
The new evidence buttressed the prosecution's case, making it significantly more difficult for the defense to argue for acquittal.
Synonyms
supportreinforcestrengthen
Etymology
To support or reinforce something structurally or argumentatively.
- butt- (Latin) — to support
- -ress (Latin) — to hold up
Memory Aid
👗Sounds like “but dress”
If you ‘BUT DRESS’ like a superhero, you’ll BUTTRESS your confidence!
Visual Association
🦸A superhero lifting a collapsing building to reinforce it and protect the citizens.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “buttress” mean on the GRE?
buttress (verb) means “To increase the strength of or justification for; to reinforce”. The new evidence buttressed the prosecution's case, making it significantly more difficult for the defense to argue for acquittal.
How to remember “buttress” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “buttress” sounds like “but dress”. If you ‘BUT DRESS’ like a superhero, you’ll BUTTRESS your confidence!
What are synonyms for “buttress”?
Common synonyms: support, reinforce, strengthen.