The difference between Buttress and Reinforce

When used as verbs, buttress means to support something physically with, or as if with, a prop or buttress, whereas reinforce means to strengthen, especially by addition or augmentation.


Buttress is also noun with the meaning: a brick or stone structure built against another structure to support it.

check bellow for the other definitions of Buttress and Reinforce

  1. Buttress as a noun (architecture):

    A brick or stone structure built against another structure to support it.

  2. Buttress as a noun:

    Anything that serves to support something; a prop.

  3. Buttress as a noun (botany):

    A buttress-root.

  4. Buttress as a noun (climbing):

    A feature jutting prominently out from a mountain or rock; a crag, a bluff.

    Examples:

    "[[w:Crowell Buttresses Crowell Buttresses]], [[w:Dismal Buttress Dismal Buttress]], [[w:Hourglass Buttress Hourglass Buttress]], [[w:Kardam Buttress Kardam Buttress]], [[w:Seven Buttresses Seven Buttresses]] . The direct route is highlighted.]]"

  5. Buttress as a noun (figurative):

    Anything that supports or strengthens.

  1. Buttress as a verb:

    To support something physically with, or as if with, a prop or buttress.

  2. Buttress as a verb:

    To support something or someone by supplying evidence; to corroborate or substantiate.

  1. Reinforce as a verb (transitive):

    To strengthen, especially by addition or augmentation.

    Examples:

    "He reinforced the handle with a metal rod and a bit of tape."

  2. Reinforce as a verb (transitive):

    To emphasize or review.

    Examples:

    "The right homework will reinforce and complement the lesson!"

  3. Reinforce as a verb (transitive):

    To encourage (a behavior or idea) through repeated stimulus.

    Examples:

    "Advertising for fast food can reinforce unhealthy dietary tendencies."