Both nouns refer to someone who supports or advocates for another person or group of people. One may be a supporter of a particular political party or their candidate, but a supporter can also be a backer of a cause (supporter of the arts). When it comes to putting one’s life on the line, even a staunch supporter may not be quite as dedicated as an ally can be. Ally often refers to a nation state that is associated with another or others for a common purpose (World War II Allies). A more recent use of ally is for a person who supports and advocates for a marginalized or politicized group but is not a member of that group—an ally for the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color community; an LGBTQIA+ ally. The status or role of this type of ally is called allyship, which is our 2021 Word of the Year. Read all about it here!

To call something consequential is to say that it's significant or important, with special attention to the consequences, or effects and outcomes, it brings. The primary meaning of consequential is "following as an effect, result, or outcome." The term ultimately comes from the Latin verb sequī meaning "to follow," which is also the source of the word sequence. A consequential decision is one that will significantly shape what follows. An event that is politically consequential is one that might alter the course of politics in some significant way, and something that proves consequential is revealed over time to have been an important or determining factor in the course of events.

Help comes in many different forms. To bolster something is "to add to, support, or uphold" that thing. The verb comes from the noun bolster, a cushion or pillow. The idea of cushioning, propping up, or giving a boost is central to the verb. However, while this noun bolster is most likely to prop up a person, the verb bolster is more commonly found in discussion of concepts and ideas. For example, you might bolster a case or an argument, or bolster a friend's confidence. Similarly, internet companies will seek to bolster their traffic, and government agencies strive to bolster the economy.