Exact Match for "buttress"
- buttress⇄buttress, noun, verb.
- buttress⇄noun 1a. a support built against a wall or building to strengthen it.
b. (Figurative:)
Ex. While I cannot be called a pillar I must be regarded as a buttress of the Church because I support it from outside (attributed to Viscount Melbourne). - buttress⇄v.t. 1a. to strengthen with a buttress.
b. (Figurative:)
Ex. The pilot buttressed his report of the flight with photographs.
(SYN) prop.
2. to conceal by a buttress.
Ex. Beside the portal doors, Buttress'd from moonlight,
Ends With "buttress"
- flying buttress⇄flying buttress
an arched support or brace built between the wall of a building and a supporting column to bear some of the outward pressure of the weight of the roof.
Buttress
Part of Speech
Noun, Verb
Pronunciation
/ˈbʌtrəs/
Definitions
- Noun: A structure built against or projecting from a wall to support or reinforce it, often used in architecture.
- Verb: To support or strengthen something, particularly a building or an idea.
Usage Examples
- The cathedral’s towering buttresses helped support the massive stone walls.
- The politician’s argument was buttressed by extensive data and research.
- The engineer suggested adding a buttress to the bridge to prevent structural failure.
Etymology
The word "buttress" originates from the Middle English word "butressen," derived from Old French "buter," meaning "to push" or "to support." The term reflects the architectural function of the structure in providing support to a wall or building.
Synonyms
- Support
- Brace
- Prop
- Reinforcement
Antonyms
- Weakness
- Instability
- Fragility
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| English | Buttress | /ˈbʌtrəs/ |
| Spanish | Contrafuerte | /konˈtrafuɛrte/ |
| French | Contrefort | /kɔ̃tʁəfɔʁ/ |
| German | Strebepfeiler | /ˈʃtʁeːbəˌfaɪlɐ/ |
| Italian | Contrafforte | /konˈtrafforte/ |
| Chinese | 扶壁 | /fú bì/ |
| Russian | Контрфорс | /kɒntrɒrs/ |
| Arabic | دعامه | /daʿāma/ |
| Hindi | सहारा | /sahārā/ |
| Bengali | সহায়ক স্তম্ভ | /sahāẏak stambh/ |
| Japanese | 壁支え | /kabe sasae/ |
| Korean | 버팀대 | /beotimdae/ |
| Portuguese | Contraforte | /kõtʁɐˈfɔʁtʃi/ |
| Turkish | Destek | /desˈtek/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- In American English, the pronunciation tends to emphasize the first syllable (/ˈbʌtrəs/), while in British English, the pronunciation may be slightly softer on the second syllable.
- In non-native English accents, such as Australian or South African English, there may be subtle variations in the vowel sounds, particularly in the "u" sound.
Historical Usage
The term "buttress" has been used in architectural contexts since the Middle Ages to describe supporting structures built against walls. It became particularly important in Gothic architecture, where flying buttresses were used to support large cathedral walls. Over time, the word has also been applied metaphorically in other fields, such as politics and arguments, to describe something that supports or strengthens a position or idea.
Cultural Nuances
In architecture, particularly in the Gothic style, buttresses became an iconic feature, symbolizing both functional and artistic strength. The concept of a "flying buttress" is also tied to the grandeur of medieval cathedrals. In modern usage, "buttress" is often used figuratively to describe support in any context, including social, political, and intellectual spheres.
More Information
A buttress serves as a physical reinforcement for a structure, most notably in architecture. In Gothic cathedrals, buttresses were used to allow walls to be thinner while maintaining structural stability, enabling the inclusion of large windows. The term "buttress" is not limited to architecture; it is also used metaphorically in various fields to describe support mechanisms, whether in the context of a political argument or an intellectual theory. The word remains an essential part of the architectural lexicon and continues to be used both literally and figuratively in modern language.