Which English verb best translates the French idea of making something stronger (consolider, renforcer)?

• A. To fortify
• B. To reinforce
• C. To strengthen
• D. To enhance

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is choosing a verb that directly conveys making something stronger or more solid. Among the options, the most natural fit is to strengthen. It’s the straightforward, broad way to express increasing strength or resilience in any context—physical, structural, or abstract (like a plan or relationship).

Fortify tends to carry a sense of adding protective measures, often in defense or safety contexts. Reinforce is very close, but it usually implies adding external support or backing to something that’s already there. Enhance focuses more on improving quality, appearance, or attractiveness rather than actual strength. So while those can fit in specific cases, strengthen is the simplest, most general translation of “consolider, renforcer” when the intent is simply to make something stronger.