Words / B2

STRENGTHN/ˈstreŋθn/

To strengthen is to make or become stronger: strengthen a conclusion; strengthen a bridge. Reinforce is close; improve is wider. Strengthen the conclusion with a second source. Noun: strength (already in the dictionary). Mix-up: lengthen is to make longer; straighten is to make straight. Do not write strengthen for “make longer”.

Meaning

To make or become stronger.

Examples

• “Strengthen the conclusion with a second source, not a louder adjective.”
• “Physio aimed to strengthen the joint, which is the body sense.”

Good to know

strengthen + noun; strengthen against. Noun: strength. Opposite: weaken. Trap: lengthen / straighten. Essays, DT, and PE. Make stronger, not longer or straighter.

Near in meaning

reinforce

New