B2verb 1K

Strengthen

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈstreŋkθn/","/ˈstreŋkθnz/","/ˈstreŋkθnd/","/ˈstreŋkθənɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈstreŋkθn/","/ˈstreŋkθnz/","/ˈstreŋkθnd/","/ˈstreŋkθənɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Strengthen

to become more powerful or effective; to make somebody/something more powerful or effective

In simple words: To make something stronger or more powerful.

Strengthen in a sentence

• Regular exercise can help strengthen your muscles.
• They worked together to strengthen their business partnership.
• This new policy will strengthen the country’s economy.
• She used supplements to strengthen her immune system.
• The government aims to strengthen laws against pollution.
• This training program is designed to strengthen leadership skills.

How to use Strengthen

Use 'strengthen' when referring to making an argument, relationship, or physical object stronger. It is suitable for both spoken and written contexts, but can sound more formal in some situations.

Grammar pattern

strengthen + object

Memory hint

Think 'strength' with an 'en'—imagine adding energy to something to make it robust.

Related words

Collocations with Strengthen

• considerably
• enormously
• greatly
• help (to)
• serve to
• be designed to
• against
• an attempt to strengthen something
• an effort to strengthen something
• be aimed at strengthening something

Synonyms for Strengthen

• fortify
• enhance
• boost
• reinforce
• amplify

Opposites of Strengthen

• weaken
• diminish
• reduce

Common mistakes with Strengthen

• Confused with 'strength' as a noun.
• Used incorrectly with an intransitive verb pattern (e.g., 'strengthen' alone without an object).
• Saying 'make strong' instead of 'strengthen'.

Frequently asked questions about Strengthen

What does Strengthen mean?

To make something stronger or more powerful.

What is the definition of Strengthen?

to become more powerful or effective; to make somebody/something more powerful or effective

How do you use Strengthen in a sentence?

Regular exercise can help strengthen your muscles.

Can you give another example of Strengthen?

They worked together to strengthen their business partnership.

What are synonyms for Strengthen?

Common alternatives include fortify, enhance, boost, reinforce, amplify.

What is the opposite of Strengthen?

Opposite meanings include weaken, diminish, reduce.

What words go with Strengthen?

It commonly pairs with considerably, enormously, greatly, help (to), serve to, be designed to, against, an attempt to strengthen something, an effort to strengthen something, be aimed at strengthening something.

What are common mistakes when using Strengthen?

Confused with 'strength' as a noun. Used incorrectly with an intransitive verb pattern (e.g., 'strengthen' alone without an object). Saying 'make strong' instead of 'strengthen'.

How do you pronounce Strengthen?

US: /["/ˈstreŋkθn/","/ˈstreŋkθnz/","/ˈstreŋkθnd/","/ˈstreŋkθənɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ˈstreŋkθn/","/ˈstreŋkθnz/","/ˈstreŋkθnd/","/ˈstreŋkθənɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Strengthen?

Use 'strengthen' when referring to making an argument, relationship, or physical object stronger. It is suitable for both spoken and written contexts, but can sound more formal in some situations.

What CEFR level is Strengthen?

"Strengthen" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.