reinforce
To strengthen an idea, argument, or structure.
ExampleThe second example reinforces the professor's main point.
ExampleThe lecture reinforces the reading's claim with a recent study.
Usage Scenarios
Professor purpose question
Listen for whether an example reinforces the main idea rather than introduces a separate topic.
ExampleThe professor mentions the fossil record to reinforce the claim about climate change.
Integrated task relationship
Notice whether the lecture reinforces or contradicts the reading, because the two relations lead to different summaries.
ExampleThe lecturer reinforces the reading by giving additional evidence from field research.
Usage Guide
Listen for reinforce when a TOEFL professor adds evidence that makes an earlier claim stronger. The word often explains why a detail, example, or study is mentioned.
High-value chunks include reinforce the point, reinforce the argument, reinforce the theory, and reinforce the idea. The object is usually a claim already introduced.
Do not read reinforce as repeat. A reinforcing detail may repeat the direction of an idea, but its function is to strengthen support.
Word Forms & Word Building
Reinforce is built from re- plus force, giving the word-building idea of adding force again or making something stronger.
Reinforcement is formed with the noun suffix -ment and means support that strengthens a claim, behavior, or structure.
Reinforced is the past participle in phrases such as reinforced argument, reinforced concrete, and reinforced conclusion.
Meaning Boundaries
Reinforce vs repeat
Repeat means say again. Reinforce means add support or strength, often with a new example or reason.
Reinforce vs contradict
Reinforce supports the same direction. Contradict goes against the claim and weakens or opposes it.
Register
Reinforce is common in TOEFL lectures, integrated tasks, psychology passages, and evidence-based explanations.
Memory Tricks
Think add strength. If a detail makes the earlier point harder to dismiss, it reinforces that point.
In TOEFL notes, mark plus signs beside reinforcing examples and minus signs beside contradictory examples.
Pair reinforce with claim, point, argument, theory, evidence, and idea.
Common Traps
Do not use reinforce when the evidence weakens the claim.
Do not confuse reinforce with enforce. Enforce means make people follow a rule.
When answering purpose questions, name the point being reinforced, not only the example.