Reinforcing
ˌriːɪnˈfɔːsɪŋ
Definitions
2 meaningsTo strengthen or support (an object or a feeling) with additional material or support; to make stronger.
ˌriːɪnˈfɔːsɪŋ
To strengthen or support
The coach is reinforcing the team's defensive strategy.
💡 Simply: Imagine your favorite building is getting weak. Reinforcing is like adding extra bricks or support beams to make sure it doesn't fall down. It makes something stronger, just like when you reinforce a belief by providing evidence.
👶 For kids: Making something stronger! Like adding more blocks to a tower so it doesn't fall.
More Examples
The government is reinforcing its economic policies.
The lawyer spent the morning reinforcing his arguments.
How It's Used
"The army is reinforcing its positions along the border."
"The builders are reinforcing the bridge with steel beams."
"Positive feedback helps in reinforcing good behavior."
To encourage or establish (a behavior or belief) through reward or praise; to make stronger.
ˌriːɪnˈfɔːsɪŋ
To encourage or establish
The teacher used praise to reinforce good classroom behavior.
💡 Simply: Imagine you give your dog a treat every time it sits. You're reinforcing the behavior! It means you are encouraging a certain action or idea by providing a reward or further supporting it.
👶 For kids: Making a good thing happen more often. Like giving a treat to your pet when they do what you ask.
More Examples
The company's marketing campaign is designed to reinforce brand loyalty.
Consistent positive feedback reinforces positive behavior.
How It's Used
"Teachers use rewards to reinforce good study habits."
"Positive reinforcement is a key technique in behavioral therapy."
"Sharing positive stories helps reinforcing good values."
Idioms & expressions
reinforce one's argument
To provide additional evidence or support for one's point of view.
"The lawyer presented new evidence to reinforce his argument."
reinforce the message
To emphasize and make the main idea stronger.
"The marketing team used multiple channels to reinforce the message of their new product."
From Middle French *renforcer*, from *re-* (again) + *enforcer* (to strengthen).
The term has been used since the 17th century, initially in military and construction contexts, and later extended to psychological and social concepts.
Memory tip
Think of adding more 'force' to make something stronger.