The verb create, at its most general, means to bring something into being. To devise something is to plan it or think it up. The main action of devise occurs in the mind. An economist may devise a plan or a strategy, for instance, with the goal of creating jobs or wealth. In some older uses, devise carried nefarious and deceptive undertones, as in "The conspirators devised the downfall of the ruler." Nowadays, devise is more neutral, though it may still have a plot or two up its sleeve.

The word resilient is used to talk about a particular kind of strength. When used to describe objects or materials, resilient means "returning to original form after being bent or stretched." In discussion of people, resilient conveys a buoyancy in the face of hardship or misfortune. A person who readily recovers or bounces back from adversity, illness, depression, or other types of difficult circumstances may be described as resilient. More commonly, resilient is used in discussion of systems and organizations, such as economies, communities, and cities, and increasingly, we see resilient in the descriptor phrase climate resilient, signifying the readiness and capability of systems and organizations to adapt to changing climate conditions.

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.