reinforce
ree-ihn-FAWS
Reinforce (verb) means to make something stronger by adding extra support or material. Example: “They reinforced the bridge with steel cables.”
verb
1
To make something stronger by adding extra support or material.
"They reinforced the bridge with steel cables."
"The wall was reinforced with concrete after the earthquake."
"We reinforced the shelf with a metal bracket so it wouldn't sag."
2
To strengthen a belief, behaviour, or idea through repetition.
"Praise from a teacher can reinforce good habits in students."
"Repeating new words in different sentences helps reinforce them in your memory."
"The advert's catchy song reinforces the idea that the product is fun."
How to use reinforce
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo make something (physical or abstract) stronger, often by adding support or repeating it.
Common pairings
reinforce a structure
reinforce an idea
reinforce behaviour
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- reinforces
- Past tense
- reinforced
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Can you complete this real example?
They _____ the bridge with steel cables.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for reinforce
See all rhymes for reinforce →Frequently asked questions
What does “reinforce” mean?
The word “reinforce” means to make something stronger by adding extra support or material. In plain terms, to make something (physical or abstract) stronger, often by adding support or repeating it.
How do you pronounce “reinforce”?
“Reinforce” is pronounced ree-ihn-FAWS (/ˌɹi.ɪnˈfɔɹs/ in IPA).
How do you use “reinforce” in a sentence?
Here is “reinforce” used in a sentence: “They reinforced the bridge with steel cables.”
What part of speech is “reinforce”?
“Reinforce” is a verb.
Is “reinforce” a common word?
“Reinforce” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “reinforce” have?
“Reinforce” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make something stronger by adding extra support or material.
What is the difference between reinforce and strengthen?
Reinforce specifically means to make something stronger by adding extra support or material, such as reinforcing a wall with steel bars, or to strengthen a belief or behavior through repetition. Strengthen is a broader term that can apply to making anything more powerful or robust, without necessarily implying that something extra has been added. Reinforce often implies a targeted fix to a weak point.
How is reinforce used in psychology?
In psychology, reinforce describes strengthening a belief or behavior through repetition, often through rewards or consistent reactions, such as reinforcing good habits with praise. This use is distinct from the physical sense of adding material support to a structure.
What does it mean to reinforce an argument?
To reinforce an argument means to strengthen it by adding further evidence, examples, or reasoning that support the original point, making it more convincing or harder to dispute.
