support

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.

“Support” is pronounced suh-PAWT (/səˈpoɹt/ in IPA).

Here is “support” used in a sentence: “These beams support the entire roof.”

“Support” is a verb.

The word “support” comes from Latin. From Old French supporter, from Latin supportare.

“Support” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Support” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to hold something up or keep it from falling.

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.

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.

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.