strengthen

/ˈstreŋkθn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈstreŋkθn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈstreŋ(k)-thən ˈstren(t)-/ (ame, mw)

strengthen — verb

  • strengthenpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • strengthenshe / she / it
  • strengthenedpast simple
  • strengthening-ing form

1. to add power or strength to a person, object, or situation; or to gain more powe

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

to add power or strength to a person, object, or situation; or to gain more power or strength yourself

例句

A short walk every morning can strengthen your leg muscles.

collocation: strengthen + body part (muscles, bones, heart)

Hui strengthened her argument by adding more facts to the report.

strengthen + argument / case / position

同義詞
  • reinforce

    add extra support to something already in place; more concrete/physical than strengthen

  • boost

    increase quickly or temporarily; more informal and immediate than strengthen

  • enhance

    improve the quality or value of something; less about raw power and more about refinement

  • fortify

    make stronger against attack or damage; carries defensive or protective overtones

反義詞
  • weaken

    the direct opposite: to make or become less strong

  • undermine

    gradually weaken something from below or secretly, often in a damaging way

文法句型

strengthen + noun phrase (transitive)

noun phrase / weather / relationship + strengthen (intransitive)

用法筆記

Can be used transitively (with a direct object: strengthen something) or intransitively (without an object: something strengthens). The intransitive form is common for weather, relationships, and economic conditions.

常見錯誤

❌I need to strength my muscles.
✅I need to strengthen my muscles.
💡'strength' is a noun; 'strengthen' is the correct verb form.