Reading Theme:
How to Use Reinforce: Definition & Examples (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：strengthen structurally (reinforce)
reinforce
/ˌriːɪnˈfɔːrs/
vt.
To make a physical object or structure stronger and more able to support weight or resist damage.
strengthen structurally
➕
/ˈstreŋθən ˈstrʌktʃərəli/
vt.
To add material or support to a physical object or structure, making it more durable and resistant to force or pressure.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old French 'renforcier': re- (again) + enforcier (to strengthen), itself from Latin 'in-' (into) + 'fortis' (strong).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of adding RE-bar to make concrete INcredibly FORCEful. RE (again) + IN (into) + FORCE (strength).
📖 Example
After the storm, engineers had to reinforce the bridge's main supports with extra steel beams.
After the storm, engineers had to strengthen the bridge's main supports structurally with extra steel beams.
🔗 Collocations
reinforce a wall – to make a wall stronger
reinforce concrete – to strengthen concrete, often with embedded steel
reinforce with steel – to use steel to add strength
🔄 Synonyms
strengthen (vt.) – to make stronger
fortify (vt.) – to strengthen against attack
buttress (vt.) – to support or reinforce
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
reinforcement (n.) – the act of reinforcing; something that reinforces
reinforced (adj.) – made stronger by the addition of something
📖 Cultural Story
The word entered English from Old French in the 15th century. Its root in Latin 'fortis' (strong) connects it to words like 'fort', 'fortify', and 'force'. In modern culture, it's a key term in psychology (operant conditioning), engineering, and education, describing processes that add strength or support.
Meaning 2：strengthen behavior (reinforce)
reinforce
/ˌriːɪnˈfɔːrs/
vt.
To make an idea, feeling, or pattern of behavior stronger and more likely to continue, often by repeating it or giving positive results.
strengthen behavior
➕
/ˈstreŋθən bɪˈheɪvjər/
vt.
To make an idea, habit, or pattern of action more established or likely to recur, often through repetition, reward, or confirmation.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Praising a child when they share their toys can reinforce this kind and positive behavior.
Praising a child when they share their toys can strengthen that kind and positive behavior.
🔗 Collocations
reinforce an idea – to make a belief or concept more firmly held
reinforce a habit – to make a habitual action more ingrained
reinforce stereotypes – to make stereotypical beliefs stronger
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
discourage (vt.) – to cause someone to lose confidence or enthusiasm
deter (vt.) – to discourage someone from doing something
extinguish (vt.) – to cause a behavior or feeling to cease
🌱 Derivatives
reinforcer (n.) – something that strengthens a response
Meaning 3：consolidate learning (reinforce)
reinforce
/ˌriːɪnˈfɔːrs/
vt.
To make knowledge or a skill stronger and more permanent by practicing more or getting extra information.
consolidate learning
➕
/kənˈsɒlɪdeɪt ˈlɜːnɪŋ/
vt.
To make newly acquired knowledge or a skill more solid and permanent through additional practice, review, or application.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The teacher gave us some extra exercises to reinforce the grammar rules we learned this week.
The teacher gave us some extra exercises to consolidate our learning of the grammar rules from this week.
🔗 Collocations
reinforce knowledge – to solidify understanding through review
reinforce a lesson – to strengthen the memory of what was taught
reinforce through practice – to make learning stick by doing
🔄 Synonyms
consolidate (vt.) – to make something physically or conceptually stronger
cement (vt.) – to establish something firmly
review (vt.) – to study or examine material again
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