Reading Theme:
Reinforcement: Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：strengthening (reinforcement)
reinforcement
/ˌriːɪnˈfɔːsmənt/
n.
the act of making something stronger or more effective, especially a behavior or idea, often by using rewards or repetition.
strengthening
➕
/ˈstreŋθ(ə)nɪŋ/
n.
The act or process of making a behavior, idea, or response stronger or more likely to occur again, often through the use of rewards or consistent repetition.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From the verb 'reinforce' (re- 'again' + enforce 'to make strong, compel'). Literally 'to strengthen again'.
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine REINdeer being sent FORCEfully to aid Santa's weak points. The 'force' strengthens his team.
📖 Example
The teacher used positive reinforcement, like praise and stickers, to encourage students to complete their homework on time.
The teacher utilized positive reinforcement, such as praise and stickers, to motivate students to finish their homework punctually.
🔗 Collocations
positive reinforcement – Using rewards to increase the likelihood of a desired behavior.
negative reinforcement – Removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase a desired behavior.
immediate reinforcement – A reward or consequence given right after a behavior occurs.
🔄 Synonyms
strengthening (n.) – The act of making something physically or psychologically stronger.
consolidation (n.) – The action of making something physically stronger or more solid; combining things into a single, more effective whole.
bolstering (n.) – Providing support or reinforcement to something.
🚫 Antonyms
weakening (n.) – The act of making something less strong or effective.
undermining (n.) – The process of lessening the effectiveness, power, or ability of something, especially gradually or insidiously.
🌱 Derivatives
reinforce (v.) – To strengthen or support, especially with additional personnel, material, or by psychological means.
📖 Cultural Story
Originally a military term for sending fresh troops to bolster a line. This concept was later adopted in psychology (e.g., B.F. Skinner's operant conditioning) to describe using rewards to strengthen desired behaviors, making it a cornerstone of modern behavioral science and education.
Meaning 2：additional support (reinforcement)
reinforcement
/ˌriːɪnˈfɔːsmənt/
n.
additional people or resources sent to help or support when there is a problem or not enough strength.
additional support
➕
/əˈdɪʃ(ə)n(ə)l səˈpɔːt/
n.
Extra people, equipment, or supplies sent to provide help, increase strength, or replace losses in a challenging situation.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
After the earthquake, more rescue teams were sent as reinforcement to the hardest-hit areas.
Following the earthquake, additional rescue teams were dispatched as reinforcement to the most severely affected zones.
🔗 Collocations
call for reinforcements – To request additional support or backup, typically in an emergency or conflict.
send in reinforcements – To dispatch additional personnel or resources to a situation.
military reinforcement – Additional troops or military assets sent to support existing forces.
🔄 Synonyms
backup (n.) – Support or help, or a person or thing that provides this.
support (n.) – Material or emotional assistance provided to someone or something.
auxiliaries (n.) – Additional troops or resources used to supplement the main force.
🚫 Antonyms
withdrawal (n.) – The removal or retreat of troops, resources, or support.
Wordbook
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