The teacher used games to bolster the students' interest in learning.
synonyms
supportstrengthenreinforce
word origin — Middle English 'bolster', from Old English 'bolster' meaning 'a cushion or pillow', related to the verb meaning to support or strengthen.
bolster, pertain, denigrate, cringe, gauge: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 words from Proficient Plus set 81. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
bolster · verb/ˈboʊlstər/
to support or strengthen
The teacher used games to bolster the students' interest in learning.
Synonyms: support, strengthen, reinforce
Origin: Middle English 'bolster', from Old English 'bolster' meaning 'a cushion or pillow', related to the verb meaning to support or strengthen.
pertain · verb/pərˈteɪn/
to be related to or connected with something
The rules that pertain to the game must be followed by all players.
Synonyms: relate, connect, concern
Origin: from Latin 'pertinere', meaning 'to stretch out, extend, pertain to'
denigrate · verb/ˈdɛnɪˌɡreɪt/
to criticize unfairly or belittle someone or something
It is not fair to denigrate her efforts just because she is new to the team.
Synonyms: belittle, decry, disparage
Origin: from Latin 'denigratus', past participle of 'denigrare', meaning 'to blacken' or 'to make dark'
cringe · noun/krɪndʒ/
a feeling of discomfort or embarrassment caused by someone else's actions or words
His terrible jokes always make me feel a cringe when he tells them.
Synonyms: discomfort, awkwardness, embarrassment
Origin: The word 'cringe' comes from Old English 'cringan', meaning to bend or to fall. It evolved to represent a feeling of discomfort or embarrassment.
gauge · noun/ɡeɪdʒ/
a measurement or standard used to assess the size, amount, or capacity of something
The teacher used a ruler as a gauge to measure the length of the papers.
Synonyms: measure, standard, scale
Origin: Middle English 'gauge' from Old French 'jauger,' meaning to measure or weigh.