reinforcement

Everyday

1. Something that makes another thing stronger, such as steel bars inside concrete. tree →
2. «Reinforcements» are extra soldiers, police or helpers sent to give support. tree →
3. (teaching, formal) Making a lesson or behaviour stronger by practice or praise: positive reinforcement. tree →

In the lessons

In science and building, reinforcement makes bridges and walls stronger. In stories and history: «Send reinforcements!» when a side is losing. At school, teachers use positive reinforcement — praise and rewards; homework gives reinforcement of a lesson. In maths, «reinforcements arrived: 40 more soldiers» — add. Phrases: «call for reinforcements», «positive reinforcement», «steel reinforcement».

Examples

• The concrete has steel reinforcement inside. tree →
• The captain called for reinforcements. tree →
• 200 soldiers held the fort, then 150 reinforcements arrived. tree →
• Praise is a kind of positive reinforcement. tree →
• Homework gives reinforcement to what we learn in class. tree →
• The fence needed reinforcement after the storm. tree →
• (joking) Mum called in reinforcements to tidy my room — Grandma! tree →

Note

Countable for the helpers (reinforcements, usually plural); uncountable for the idea. Verb: reinforce. In addition problems, reinforcements increase the total.