Buttressing: meaning, definitions and examples

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buttressing

 

[หˆbสŒtrษ™sษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

construction support

Buttressing refers to a structural support built to strengthen or reinforce a wall or any other architectural element. It serves to counteract lateral forces, ensuring stability and durability. Buttresses are often used in large buildings, such as cathedrals and castles, where they help to distribute weight and withstand external pressures. They can be found in various architectural styles, ranging from Gothic to Romanesque, and are typically made of stone or brick.

Synonyms

reinforcement, shore, support.

Examples of usage

  • The cathedral featured impressive buttressing that allowed it to reach great heights.
  • Without proper buttressing, the old wall started to lean dangerously.
  • Architects often incorporate buttressing techniques in modern designs for added stability.
Context #2 | Verb

provide support

To buttress means to provide support or strengthen something. This can refer to physical structures as well as abstract concepts like arguments or positions. In architecture, to buttress a wall involves adding material to enhance its stability. In reasoning or debate, buttressing an argument involves providing additional evidence or reasons to strengthen its validity.

Synonyms

reinforce, strengthen, support.

Examples of usage

  • The lawyer worked hard to buttress her case with compelling evidence.
  • We need to buttress our claims with data and statistics.
  • The engineer must buttress the design to ensure safety.

Interesting Facts

Architecture

  • In medieval churches, flying buttresses were used to support tall walls and allowed for large stained glass windows.
  • Roman architecture employed buttressing to strengthen their massive structures, allowing buildings to last for centuries.

Historical Origins

  • The word has its roots from the Old French 'bouterez', which means to thrust or push.
  • Historical texts suggest that buttressing techniques were perfected during the Gothic period, significantly influencing European cathedrals.

Science

  • Buttressing can also refer to reinforcement in biology; for example, tree roots buttress the trunk, helping it withstand winds.
  • In structural engineering, various forms of buttressing are studied to ensure the safety and stability of buildings.

Psychology

  • In psychology, the concept can apply to emotional support โ€“ when friends or family provide stability during tough times.
  • Cognitive theories suggest that 'mental buttressing' helps individuals reinforce their beliefs and decisions with supportive information.

Literature

  • Literary works often use metaphors of buttressing to describe emotional resilience โ€“ supporting characters who stabilize the protagonist.
  • In poetry, imagery of buttressing is used to symbolize the strength that love or community can provide to a person.

Translations

Translations of the word "buttressing" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น contraforte

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเคนเคพเคฐเคพ เคฆเฅ‡เคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Abstรผtzung

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ penopang

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟั–ะดะฟะพั€ะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ podpora

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆ”ฏใˆ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท contrefort

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ contrafuerte

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท destekleme

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ง€์ง€

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฏุนุงู…ุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ opora

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ podpora

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ”ฏๆ’‘

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ opora

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ stoรฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›ะพะปะดะฐัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒฎแƒแƒ แƒ“แƒแƒญแƒ”แƒ แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dรถลŸษ™mษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ refuerzo

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,907 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.