Vygotsky suggested that new words provide a temporary tool called a:

Vygotsky's concept of a "scaffold" refers to the support and guidance offered by more knowledgeable individuals, such as teachers or peers, to assist learners in acquiring new skills or understanding complex ideas. In the context of language development, when new words are introduced, they act as scaffolding that helps learners build upon their existing knowledge. This temporary support enables learners to use these new words in context, gradually gaining independence in their language use as they become more proficient. The scaffolding provided by these new words facilitates cognitive development and learning by allowing individuals to expand their vocabulary and conceptual understanding. As such, the idea of scaffolding signifies the dynamic nature of learning, where temporary support is vital for developing more permanent skills and knowledge.