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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Bolster Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：strengthen and support (bolster)

bolster 🔊

/ˈbəʊl.stə(r)/

vt./n.

To make something stronger or more successful by giving support or adding to it, like giving someone a boost.

Bolster meaning illustrated: a supportive hand on a shoulder showing encouragement and strength.

strengthen and support 🔊

➕

/ˈstreŋθn̩ ənd səˈpɔːt/

vt./n.

To provide crucial support that reinforces and enhances the strength, effectiveness, or success of something.

📁 Category：Social Roles 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'bolster' (a cushion, pillow).

💡 Mnemonic

BOLSTER sounds like 'hold' and 'stronger' together. Think: a supportive hold makes something stronger.

📖 Example

Before the big presentation, her mentor's kind words really bolstered her confidence. 🔊 Before the big presentation, her mentor's kind words really strengthened and supported her confidence.

🔗 Collocations

bolster confidence – to increase or strengthen someone's self-belief

bolster the economy – to strengthen or support a nation's economic system

bolster an argument – to provide additional facts or reasoning to make a case stronger

🔄 Synonyms

support (vt.) – to give assistance or backing to a person, idea, or system

strengthen (vt.) – to make something more robust, resilient, or powerful

reinforce (vt.) – to add material or logical support to something, making it stronger

🚫 Antonyms

weaken (vt.) – to reduce the strength, intensity, or effectiveness of something

undermine (vt.) – to damage, erode, or subvert the foundation or strength of something

sabotage (vt.) – to deliberately destroy, damage, or obstruct something

🌱 Derivatives

bolstered (adj.) – having been made stronger or supported

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'bolster' originates from Old English, meaning a long pillow or cushion. Over centuries, the physical notion of providing foundational support evolved into the modern metaphorical verb meaning to strengthen or reinforce abstract concepts like confidence, arguments, or economies.

Meaning 2：a long firm pillow (bolster)

bolster 🔊

/ˈbəʊl.stə(r)/

vt./n.

A long, thick pillow that is often round in shape, used for decoration, extra comfort, or support on a sofa or bed.

Bolster noun example: a cylindrical blue pillow on a sofa for decoration and comfort.

a long firm pillow 🔊

➕

/ə lɒŋ fɜːm ˈpɪləʊ/

vt./n.

A long, often cylindrical cushion, typically placed on a sofa or bed for decoration, extra comfort, or providing back or arm support.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

She bought a beautiful velvet bolster to add a pop of color and extra comfort to her living room sofa. 🔊 She bought a beautiful velvet long firm pillow to add a pop of color and extra comfort to her living room sofa.

🔗 Collocations

sofa bolster – a long cushion designed to be placed along the back of a sofa

bed bolster – a long pillow used at the head of a bed, often under other pillows

decorative bolster – a bolster pillow chosen primarily for its aesthetic appeal

🔄 Synonyms

pillow (n.) – a soft cushion used to support the head, especially during sleep

cushion (n.) – a bag of soft material stuffed with a yielding substance, used for sitting or reclining on

roll (n.) – a cylindrical piece of something; in furnishing, sometimes used for a similar long pillow

🚫 Antonyms

flat surface (n.) – a level plane without any raised or padded areas for comfort

hard surface (n.) – a firm, unyielding plane that provides no soft support