buttressed
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˈbʌtrɛst/
KK: /ˈbʌtrɛst/
adjective
Definition
Describing something that is supported or reinforced by structures called buttresses, which help to hold it up or stabilize it.
Example
The ancient cathedral was buttressed to withstand strong winds and heavy rain.
Conversation
Did you see the new building they constructed downtown?
Yeah, I heard it’s really buttressed to withstand strong winds.
That’s impressive! I love how they design things to be more durable.
For sure! It’s amazing what modern architecture can do.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
supported
reinforced
bolstered
Antonyms
weakened
unsupported
fragile
verb
Definition
To support or strengthen something, especially a structure, by adding a support or reinforcement.
Example
The ancient walls were buttressed to withstand the strong winds.
Tense Forms
Past: buttressed
Past Participle: buttressed
Conversation
I read that they buttressed the old building to keep it standing.
That makes sense; it was looking pretty unstable before.
Yeah, I was worried it might collapse during the storm.
Root Explanation
Buttressed → It is formed from "buttress" (from Old French *bouterez*, meaning to support or prop) and the suffix "-ed" (indicating a past participle). The word "buttressed" means supported or reinforced, typically referring to structures that have been strengthened.
Memory Tip
Think of a structure being 'supported' ('buttress') — when something is buttressed, it means it has been reinforced or propped up.
Visually Confused Words
unbuttressed
untressed
tressed
unstressed