Mnemonic Video
Mnemonic Dictionary
Word – buttress
Meaning
a) an architectural structure built against or projecting from a wall which serves to support or reinforce the wall.
b) to give support or encouragement, to prop up (as a verb)
Part of Speech – Noun
Synonyms – support, prop
Antonyms – let down, weaken
Buttress sentences (as a noun)
1 The church committee released funds in excess of twenty thousand dollars to build a buttress along the south wall.
2 The castle was supported by four huge buttresses almost 10 feet in thickness.
Buttress sentences (as a verb)
1 Something needs to be done to buttress the poor people of this world.
2 The reserve bank had to take drastic measures to buttress the falling currency with respect to the dollar.
3 He had the backing of many lords and governors to buttress his claim for the throne.
Under the Lens – Flying Buttress
Buttress is an architectural structure used to support a wall. Fittingly as a verb buttress means to support. Buttresses were common in ancient buildings to steady a structure and act against the lateral forces pushing a wall outwards.
Flying Buttress is a specific type of buttress strongly associated with Gothic church architecture. A flying buttress is not in contact with the wall all the way to the ground. Have a look at the picture to get a better idea.