Bolster
v.resilient, hopefulprofessional
What it means
To add support that makes a person, argument, system, or condition stronger.
Reach for it when describing practical reinforcement of confidence, evidence, or capacity
Peer mentoring helped bolster the trainees' confidence during their first placements.
Choose between these
7- playful
shore up
weaknesses need urgent practical help
not when the system is healthy rather than near failure
- everyday
any increase in resilience is meant
not when added external support is the image
- everyday
help without a claimed increase is accurate
not when the subject becomes demonstrably stronger
- warm
emotional confidence is the desired result
not when evidence or physical capacity is being strengthened
- professional
an existing structure or message is made firmer
not when warm encouragement rather than structural support matters
- formal
protection against pressure is central
not when ordinary encouragement is enough
- formal
substantiate
new evidence strengthens a claim
not when morale or material capacity is the object
Said against
3- weaken
- undermine
- erode
It naturally appears in
3- bolster confidence
Small, visible wins can bolster confidence before a larger test.
- bolster the case
The newly released figures bolster the case for an earlier start.
- help bolster
A reserve account will help bolster the service during seasonal dips.
Where this comes from
- Wiktionary, Verb sense 2: support or strengthen opens in a new tab · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.