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.
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm | |
| professional |
|
| formal |
playful
shore up
Fits when weaknesses need urgent practical help
Not when the system is healthy rather than near failure
everyday
Fits when any increase in resilience is meant
Not when added external support is the image
everyday
Fits when help without a claimed increase is accurate
Not when the subject becomes demonstrably stronger
warm
Fits when emotional confidence is the desired result
Not when evidence or physical capacity is being strengthened
professional
Fits when an existing structure or message is made firmer
Not when warm encouragement rather than structural support matters
formal
Fits when protection against pressure is central
Not when ordinary encouragement is enough
formal
substantiate
Fits when new evidence strengthens a claim
Not when morale or material capacity is the object
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.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated
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