support
0 antonyms and opposites of support, grouped by meaning.
Noun — Help, encouragement or resources given to someone or something.
How to use support
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French supporter, from Latin supportare.
Full origin of support →Frequently asked questions
What does “support” mean?
The word “support” means to hold something up or keep it from falling. In plain terms, to hold up, back, help, or provide evidence for something or someone.
How do you pronounce “support”?
“Support” is pronounced suh-PAWT (/səˈpoɹt/ in IPA).
How do you use “support” in a sentence?
Here is “support” used in a sentence: “These beams support the entire roof.”
What part of speech is “support”?
“Support” is a verb.
Where does the word “support” come from?
The word “support” comes from Latin. From Old French supporter, from Latin supportare.
Is “support” a common word?
“Support” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “support” have?
“Support” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to hold something up or keep it from falling.
What is the difference between 'support' and 'hold'?
To 'support' something is to bear its weight and keep it from falling, often steadily and structurally, as in 'columns support the roof.' To 'hold' is to grasp or keep in position, usually by hand and often briefly. Support emphasises ongoing load-bearing, while hold emphasises grip or possession.
What is an example of 'support' meaning to hold up?
A pillar supports a balcony, four legs support a table, and a wall supports the shelf above it. In each case the supporting object carries the weight and stops the other from collapsing or falling. This physical, load-bearing sense is the core meaning here.
Does 'support' only mean holding something up?
No. Beyond the physical sense, 'support' commonly means to help, encourage, or back someone, whether emotionally, financially, or in an argument. You can support a friend, a charity, or a team. All these senses share the idea of holding something or someone up, literally or figuratively.