strengthening

/ˈstreŋ.θən/ (bre, ipa) · [strˈɛŋθənɪŋ] /ˈstreŋ.θən/ (ame, ipa) · [strˈɛŋθənɪŋ] /ˈstreŋ(k)-thən How to pronounce strengthen (audio) ˈstren(t)-/ (ame, mw)

strengthening — verb

  • strengtheningpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • strengthenings3rd person singular
  • strengtheninging-ing form
  • strengtheningedpast simple

1. to make a person, thing, or system more powerful, secure, or able to work better

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

to make a person, thing, or system more powerful, secure, or able to work better; or to grow stronger or steadier over time

例句

The trainer is strengthening Mateo's ankle with slow balance drills.

be strengthening + body part with + exercise

New safety rails are strengthening the old bridge above the river path.

be strengthening + structure

同義詞
  • reinforcing

    suggests adding extra support to something already in place

  • boosting

    often sounds quicker or more temporary than strengthening

  • solidifying

    fits plans, support, or relationships becoming firmer and less uncertain

  • fortifying

    emphasizes protection against attack, weakness, or illness

反義詞
  • weakening

    means becoming less strong or making something less strong

  • undermining

    suggests gradually damaging strength, trust, or stability

文法句型

be strengthening + noun

strengthening + noun + with/by + noun

ties / trust / winds + be strengthening

用法筆記

Used transitively when something is making another thing stronger, and intransitively when a condition, relationship, or natural force is itself becoming stronger. In everyday English it often appears in continuous forms for changes that are already underway.

常見錯誤

The wind is strengthening the storm tonight.
The wind is strengthening tonight.
💡use the intransitive form when the wind itself is becoming stronger.
The new rules are strengthening to safety checks.
The new rules are strengthening safety checks.
💡this meaning takes a direct object, not 'to'.