to solidify / strengthen
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to solidify
To become fixed, established, or stabilized in a figurative sense. Often refers to opinions, structures, impressions, or prejudices.
Leider hat sich das Vorurteil in der Bevölkerung verfestigt.
Unfortunately, the prejudice has solidified among the population.
to solidify
To make something physically firmer, harder, or more stable.
Durch den Druck wird das Material verfestigt.
The material is solidified by the pressure.
to strengthen
To strengthen and stabilize a position, relationship, or structure in a figurative sense.
Das gemeinsame Projekt soll die Freundschaft zwischen den beiden verfestigen.
The joint project is meant to strengthen the friendship between the two of them.
The verb is formed from the adjective 'fest' (firm/solid). The prefix 'ver-' and the ending '-igen' turn it into a process: to make something firm or to become firm.
Durch wiederholte Bestätigung kann sich ein Eindruck verfestigen.
Through repeated confirmation, an impression can solidify.
The verb has two main uses: 'sich verfestigen' (something becomes firmer by itself, often abstractly) and 'etwas verfestigen' (someone makes something firmer, physically or abstractly).
Der Verdacht gegen ihn hat sich leider verfestigt.
The suspicion against him has unfortunately solidified.
The reflexive form 'sich verfestigen' (to solidify) is very often used for abstract concepts. Typical subjects are: a prejudice, an opinion, an impression, a structure, or a suspicion.
Es ist schwer, ein einmal verfestigtes Vorurteil wieder loszuwerden.
It is hard to get rid of a prejudice once it has solidified.
The physical meaning of 'verfestigen' (to solidify/make something materially harder) is often found in technical or scientific texts, for example in geology or materials science.
Der flüssige Kunststoff wird unter UV-Licht verfestigt.
The liquid plastic is solidified under UV light.
to strengthen / reinforce / amplify
When referring to a position, impression, or relationship, both verstärken and verfestigen can be appropriate. Verstärken mainly makes something more intense, while verfestigen additionally emphasizes that it becomes more stable and lasting. Use verstärken for a greater effect and verfestigen for something that becomes firmly established.
Die wiederholte Kritik verfestigte seinen negativen Eindruck von dem Projekt.
The repeated criticism solidified his negative impression of the project.
Die wiederholte Kritik verstärkte seinen negativen Eindruck von dem Projekt.
The repeated criticism reinforced his negative impression of the project.
