Buttressing

Buttressing is the act of providing external support to a structure or an idea to reinforce its stability. Whether in architecture or rhetoric, it serves as a crucial foundation for strength. 1. Architectural Foundations

: Markets are often described as being buttressed by strong profit growth or specific sectors.

: Small actions, like giving compliments, can buttress one's popularity or social standing. 3. Specialized Applications

: To allow for taller buildings and thinner walls without the risk of collapse.

: Iconic in Gothic cathedrals like Notre Dame de Paris, these arches bridge the gap between an outer pier and the wall, allowing for massive stained-glass windows. 2. Figurative Reinforcement