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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Strengthen: Definition, Usage & Synonyms (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：make stronger (strengthen)

strengthen 🔊

/ˈstreŋθən/

vt.

to make an object more firm, solid, or resistant to damage.

Strengthen meaning illustrated by a person strengthening arm muscles with a dumbbell curl.

make stronger 🔊

➕

/meɪk ˈstrɒŋɡər/

vt.

To increase the physical strength, firmness, or durability of an object or body part.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：初级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'strengðu' (strength) + suffix '-en' (to make), meaning 'to make strong'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'strength' plus 'en' – adding 'en' makes it happen, like strengthen your resolve.

📖 Example

Doing push-ups every day can strengthen your arm muscles. 🔊 Performing push-ups daily helps build stronger arm muscles.

🔗 Collocations

strengthen muscles – to make muscles more powerful and resistant

strengthen the structure – to make a building or object more stable and durable

strengthen the foundation – to reinforce the base support for better stability

🔄 Synonyms

fortify (vt.) – to make something stronger, especially against attacks or damage

reinforce (vt.) – to make something stronger by adding extra support or material

harden (vt.) – to make something physically harder or more resistant to pressure

🚫 Antonyms

weaken (vt.) – to make something less strong or effective

undermine (vt.) – to gradually reduce the strength or stability of something

🌱 Derivatives

strength (n.) – the quality or state of being strong, powerful, or durable

strong (adj.) – having great physical power, durability, or intensity

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Old English 'strengðu' and suffix '-en', used since Middle English. Commonly applied in modern contexts like fitness training and business strategy to denote improvement.

Meaning 2：enhance (strengthen)

strengthen 🔊

/ˈstreŋθən/

vt.

to make a relationship, feeling, or system more solid, stable, or effective.

Strengthen relationships concept shown by two friends sharing a supportive high-five.

enhance 🔊

➕

/ɪnˈhæns/

vt.

To improve the stability, effectiveness, or emotional bond in relationships, feelings, or systems.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：初级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

Working on this project together really helped to strengthen our friendship. 🔊 Collaborating on this project made our friendship more robust and trusting.

🔗 Collocations

strengthen ties – to improve and solidify relationships between groups or individuals

strengthen the economy – to make the economic system more robust and growth-oriented

strengthen resolve – to make one's determination or commitment firmer and more steadfast

🔄 Synonyms

solidify (vt.) – to make something more stable, certain, or well-established

consolidate (vt.) – to combine or unify elements to make them stronger or more efficient

boost (vt.) – to increase or improve something, especially in effectiveness or morale

🚫 Antonyms

weaken (vt.) – to make something less strong, stable, or effective

sabotage (vt.) – to deliberately damage or undermine the strength or success of something

🌱 Derivatives

strength (n.) – the quality of being strong, especially in character, bond, or system

strong (adj.) – having great intensity, stability, or influence in non-physical contexts