Buttressing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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buttressing
[ˈbʌtrəsɪŋ ]
Definitions
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.
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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
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 – 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 – 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.
Origin of 'buttressing'
The term 'buttressing' originates from the Old French word 'abutir', meaning to support or to thrust against. This root is closely tied to the process of building structures that need additional support to manage weight and lateral forces. In architectural contexts, buttresses became especially prominent during the Gothic era, where they were employed to allow for taller walls and larger windows without compromising stability. The technique represented a significant advancement in architectural design, enabling the construction of majestic cathedrals that still stand today as testaments to its effectiveness. Over time, 'buttressing' found its way into metaphorical uses in English, referring to the act of supporting ideas or arguments.