brace

这组词共同的意思是“支撑”。它们的区别在于:support指有基础或基座来承受某物的压力或重量,使其不坍塌或倒下,用于比喻可指能够经受住艰难困苦而不屈服; bolster指用垫枕等支撑物来支撑或承受负荷; brace指用支柱、支架来支住、撑牢某物,使其能抗住压力; buttress指用在建筑物应力点上加扶壁的办法来支住、加固某物,引申指用物质、金钱、事实等来支持某论点; maintain指保持某种状况或状态,给予所需的力量,以防力量、价值等有所损失; prop指支持需要立即加强或加固的事物; sustain强调始终不渝地支撑或保持。例如:

This matter bolstered up his pride.这件事提高了他的自尊心。

The struts are firmly braced.构架的支柱很牢固。

She buttressed her argument with lots of solid facts.她用很多具体事实来支持她的论点。

The state maintains the highways.政府养护公路。

She propped up the baby's head by putting her hand behind its neck.她把手放在婴孩的头后,支撑他的头。

She was sustained by pride in her family.对家庭的自豪感支持着她。