2 syllables: Bol, ster. Stress on Bol.
BOHL-stur
/ˈboʊlstɚ/
Bolster is pronounced BOHL-stur (/ˈboʊlstɚ/). It has two syllables (Bol-ster), with the stress on "Bol". Bolster is a transitive verb meaning to support, strengthen, or reinforce something, often by providing backing, encouragement, or additional material. It can also describe physically supporting a structure or cushion. In usage, it frequently appears in contexts like improving arguments, backing up data, or reinforcing a physical object or morale.
verbBolster is a transitive verb meaning to support, strengthen, or reinforce something, often by providing backing, encouragement, or additional material. It can also describe physically supporting a structure or cushion. In usage, it frequently appears in contexts like improving arguments, backing up data, or reinforcing a physical object or morale.
"The charity launched a campaign to bolster public support."
"She wore a hat to bolster her confidence during the presentation."
"The new evidence will bolster the defense’s case."
Pronounce as /ˈboʊldər/ in US, /ˈbəʊlstə/ in UK, and /ˈboːlstə/ in some AU varieties. The primary stress is on the first syllable: BOHL-; the second syllable is a reduced schwa + r in rhotic accents. Start with the /boʊl/ vowel glide like 'boal' plus a light /d/ and the unstressed /ər/ or /stə/ at the end depending on accent. If you have difficulty with the /ld/ cluster, ensure the tongue briefly lifts to touch the alveolar ridge for the /l/ before releasing into a clear /d/ before the schwa.
Common errors: 1) Slurring the /ld/ into a quick /l/ or misplacing /l/ after /oʊ/; 2) Reducing the first vowel too much, pronouncing it like /bɒ/ or /bɒl/ instead of /boʊl/; 3) Not releasing the /r/ in rhotic accents, leading to a clipped ending. Correction: keep the /l/ fully released and let the /oʊ/ glide to a clean /l/ with a light, controlled /d/ followed by a voiced schwa or /ə/. Practice with slow, exaggerated enunciation then blend.
US: /ˈboʊldər/ with rhotic /r/ at the end and clear /d/ before the final /ər/. UK: /ˈbəʊlstə/ or /ˈbəʊlstə(r)/, non-rhotic often with a schwa ending; the /r/ is not pronounced. AU: often /ˈboːlstə/ or /ˈbɔːlstə/ with broader vowels; final syllable reduced. Key differences center on rhoticity (US true /r/ vs UK non-rhotic) and vowel quality in the first syllable (oʊ vs əʊ). Practice to feel the US rhotic ending, UK’s clipped final, and AU's broader vowel shift.
The difficulty lies in the valence of the /ld/ cluster immediately after a diphthong /oʊ/ and moving into a final syllable with a syllabic or reduced ending. The tongue transitions rapidly from /l/ to /d/ without an intrusive vowel, and many speakers insert extra vowels or reduce the /d/ into a softer alveolar stop. Practice the sequence /oʊ/ + /l/ + /d/ + /ər/ (US) or /ə/ or /stə/ (UK/AU) with controlled timing to avoid misplacement.
A key nuance is maintaining a crisp /l/ and /d/ sequence after the diphthong, ensuring the second syllable carries appropriate reduction in non-rhotic varieties. Also monitor the transition from /ld/ to the final schwa or /ə/ in rapid speech. In careful speech, you’ll emphasize BOHL-dər (US) or BOHL-stə (UK/AU), with the first syllable carrying primary stress and the second syllable featuring a lighter, shorter vowel.
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US vs UK vs AU differences: US typically retains a pronounced rhotic ending /-ər/ and a strong diphthong /oʊ/ in the first syllable; UK often exhibits a non-rhotic ending with a clipped /stə/ or /stə/, and the first vowel leans toward /əʊ/; AU varies between /ˈboːlstə/ and /ˈbəːlstə/, with broader vowels and less rhotic articulation. IPA references: US /ˈboʊldər/, UK /ˈbəʊlstə/ (or /ˈbəʊlstə/), AU /ˈboːlstə/. Vowel shifts: /oʊ/ to /əʊ/ in many British varieties, rhotic vs non-rhotic endings. Practical tips: for US, emphasize rhotic final; for UK, shorten the final vowel and avoid rhoticity; for AU, open the first vowel more and keep final consonant subtle.
Bolster originates from the Old French bolster meaning ‘pillow, cushion’ and from the Old English bolster ‘staff, bolster’? Its semantic shift began in English in the 14th century, where it commonly referred to a cushion or pillow used to prop or support something. By the 17th century, bolster entered figurative use, describing actions that support or strengthen a case or argument. The core sense remained tied to physical support (cushions or props) before expanding to abstract reinforcement like evidence, morale, or defenses. The word’s evolution mirrors a broader pattern in English where concrete objects become metaphors for backing or strengthening a claim, plan, or structure, yielding modern usage in legal, rhetorical, and everyday contexts. First known uses appear in Middle English texts, with predecessors in Norman-French literature, reflecting a long-standing association with padding and reinforcement in both literal and metaphorical forms.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Bolster" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Bolster" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Bolster"
-ter sounds
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