Reforzaba

Reforzaba is the imperfect indicative form of the Spanish verb reforzar, meaning to strengthen or to reinforce. It occurs in the first person singular (yo reforzaba) and in the third person singular (él/ella/usted reforzaba). The imperfect tense expresses ongoing or habitual past actions, background information in narratives, or actions concurrent with another past action.

The verb reforzar is used for physical, structural, or abstract reinforcement, such as strengthening a wall, a safety system, a rule, or an argument. Examples: yo reforzaba las paredes cada verano; ella reforzaba su argumento para la reunión. In everyday language, reforzaba can convey gradual or repeated processes over time.

Etymology: reforzaba derives from reforzar, formed with the prefix re- and the root refor- linked to the sense of increasing strength. In English, it corresponds to "was strengthening" or "used to reinforce." Related forms include reforzar (infinitive) and refuerzo (noun for reinforcement).

Usage notes: Because it is an imperfect form, reforzaba describes past actions without indicating their completion. To refer to a completed reinforcement, one would use pretérito indefinido (reforzó) or presente perfecto (ha reforzado). Reforzaba is distinct from refuerza (present tense) and from other imperfect forms such as reforzabas or reforzaban, which correspond to different subjects.

See also: reforzar; refuerzo; fortalecimiento.