Buttressing: meaning, definitions and examples

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buttressing

 

[ หˆbสŒtrษ™sษชล‹ ]

Noun / Verb
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.

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

Etymology

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.

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.