Reinforce vs. Re-enforce – Which is Correct?
The correct and universally accepted spelling is reinforce. While re-enforce can be found in older texts or as an infrequent variant, it is now largely considered archaic or an incorrect spelling. Stick to reinforce to ensure clarity and professional communication.
Reinforce or Re-enforce – Which is Correct?
When faced with the choice between “reinforce” and “re-enforce,” the answer is straightforward: reinforce is the standard, correct, and widely accepted spelling in modern English. The variant “re-enforce” is an older, hyphenated form that has fallen out of common use and is generally considered an archaic or incorrect spelling today.
The root cause of the confusion often stems from the prefix “re-” meaning “again” or “back,” combined with “enforce.” While some words might retain a hyphen with “re-” (e.g., re-enter), “reinforce” evolved to be written as a single word, much like “rebuild” or “reapply.” The “re-enforce” spelling is largely a relic, and its use today might be perceived as a misspelling or an outdated affectation.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reinforce | Verb | To strengthen or support (an object or substance), especially with additional material; to strengthen (a feeling, idea, or habit). | The construction workers will reinforce the bridge with new steel beams. |
| Re-enforce | Archaic/Incorrect | An older, now largely deprecated spelling of “reinforce.” | (Avoid use in modern writing) |
How to Use Reinforce
The verb “reinforce” is used to describe the act of strengthening something, whether physically or conceptually. It implies adding support, making something more robust, or increasing the intensity or likelihood of something. Its use is common in both formal and informal contexts, across various fields from construction and military strategy to psychology and education.
Example 1: The architect decided to reinforce the building’s foundation after discovering soil instability.
Example 2: Positive feedback can reinforce a child’s good behavior and encourage them to continue.
Example 3: The general sent additional troops to reinforce the frontline defenses.
What are the different forms of Reinforce?
“Reinforce” is a regular verb, meaning its past tense and past participle forms are created by adding “-ed.”
- Present Tense (singular): reinforces (e.g., He reinforces the argument.)
- Present Tense (plural): reinforce (e.g., They reinforce the idea.)
- Past Tense: reinforced (e.g., She reinforced her point with data.)
- Past Participle: reinforced (e.g., The idea has been reinforced by recent events.)
- Present Participle/Gerund: reinforcing (e.g., Reinforcing the structure is crucial.)
- Noun Form: reinforcement (e.g., They received much-needed reinforcement.)
Etymology of the word Reinforce
The word “reinforce” has its roots in Old French. It comes from “reinforcier,” meaning “to strengthen” or “to make stronger.” This, in turn, is a combination of “re-” (again, back) and “enforcier” (to enforce, to strengthen). The word entered English in the 16th century, originally sometimes appearing as “re-enforce” or “reenforce,” but by the 18th and 19th centuries, the single-word “reinforce” became the dominant and eventually exclusive spelling.
Related Concepts
The confusion between “reinforce” and “re-enforce” highlights a common linguistic pattern related to prefixes, particularly “re-“. The prefix “re-” typically means “again” or “back” (e.g., redo, return). While many words formed with “re-” are written as a single word (like “reinforce,” “rebuild,” “reapply”), some retain a hyphen, especially when the base word starts with the same vowel as the prefix ends, to avoid awkward double vowels or to distinguish meaning (e.g., “re-enter” to avoid “reenter” or “re-cover” meaning to cover again, vs. “recover” meaning to get well). However, for “reinforce,” the single-word form became standard over time, simplifying its usage and making “re-enforce” an unnecessary and outdated variant.
This type of linguistic challenge, where similar-sounding words cause confusion, is also seen in the common dilemma of reign versus rein.
Examples from Media and Literature
- “Every step he took seemed to reinforce the idea that he was truly alone.” – (Fictional novel excerpt)
- “The government announced new policies designed to reinforce economic stability.” – (News report headline)
- “Her confidence was continually reinforced by the unwavering support of her family.” – (Biography)
- “In military strategy, it’s crucial to know when to hold a position and when to reinforce it.” – (Historical analysis)
- “The study’s findings reinforce the importance of early childhood education.” – (Academic journal article)
Reinforce Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Strengthen | Make or become stronger. |
| Bolster | Support or strengthen; prop up. |
| Shore up | Support or assist something that is failing. |
| Fortify | Strengthen (a place) with defensive works so as to protect it against attack. |
| Underpin | Support (a structure) from below; strengthen or corroborate (a belief, argument, etc.). |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “re-enforce” ever correct?
While “re-enforce” might appear in very old texts, it is not considered correct in modern English. “Reinforce” is the universally accepted spelling.
Question 2: What’s the noun form of reinforce?
The noun form is “reinforcement.” For example, “The army sent in reinforcements.”
Question 3: Does “reinforce” have different meanings?
Yes, “reinforce” can mean to strengthen physically (e.g., a wall, a structure) or conceptually (e.g., an idea, a belief, a behavior).
Conclusion
In the “reinforce vs. re-enforce” debate, “reinforce” stands as the undisputed champion of correct spelling in contemporary English. “Re-enforce” is an antiquated variant that has largely vanished from standard usage. By consistently choosing “reinforce,” you ensure clarity, modernity, and accuracy in your writing.
Pro Tip: When in doubt about hyphenated “re-” words, consult a modern dictionary. Most common words formed with “re-” (like “reinforce”) are now written as a single word, reflecting the evolution of English orthography. Using the correct spelling helps to reinforce your credibility as a precise communicator.
