C1noun 3K

Buffer

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈbʌfə(r)/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈbʌfər/"]/

Meaning of Buffer

a thing or person that reduces a shock or protects somebody/something against difficulties

In simple words: A thing that helps prevent damage by absorbing shock.

Buffer in a sentence

• Support from family and friends acts as a buffer against stress.
• She often had to act as a buffer between father and son.
• The organization acts as a buffer between the management and the union.
• a **buffer state** *(= a small country between two powerful states that helps keep peace between them)*
• a **buffer zone** *(= an area of land between two opposing armies or countries)*
• Peacekeepers have been sent in to establish a buffer zone between the rival forces.
• The former tennis star’s comeback trail hit the buffers yesterday when she lost in straight sets.

How to use Buffer

Used in technical contexts, like computers or engineering. Avoid in casual conversation unless discussing technology.

Grammar pattern

buffer + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'buffer' as a cushion; it 'buffers' you from hard impacts.

Related words

Collocations with Buffer

• act as
• provide
• use something as
• state
• zone
• buffer against
• buffer between

Synonyms for Buffer

• cushion
• shield
• safeguard
• preventer
• protection

Opposites of Buffer

• impact
• collision

Common mistakes with Buffer

• Confused with 'barrier', thinking both mean the same.
• Used as a verb incorrectly, thinking it means to 'soften', not 'create a buffer.'

Frequently asked questions about Buffer

What does Buffer mean?

A thing that helps prevent damage by absorbing shock.

What is the definition of Buffer?

a thing or person that reduces a shock or protects somebody/something against difficulties

How do you use Buffer in a sentence?

Support from family and friends acts as a buffer against stress.

Can you give another example of Buffer?

She often had to act as a buffer between father and son.

What are synonyms for Buffer?

Common alternatives include cushion, shield, safeguard, preventer, protection.

What is the opposite of Buffer?

Opposite meanings include impact, collision.

What words go with Buffer?

It commonly pairs with act as, provide, use something as, state, zone, buffer against, buffer between.

What are common mistakes when using Buffer?

Confused with 'barrier', thinking both mean the same. Used as a verb incorrectly, thinking it means to 'soften', not 'create a buffer.'

How do you pronounce Buffer?

US: /["/ˈbʌfər/"]/, UK: /["/ˈbʌfə(r)/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Buffer?

Used in technical contexts, like computers or engineering. Avoid in casual conversation unless discussing technology.

What CEFR level is Buffer?

"Buffer" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.