support
suh-PAWT
Support (noun) means Help, encouragement or resources given to someone or something. Example: “Thank you for your support during such a difficult time.”
noun
1
Help, encouragement or resources given to someone or something.
"Thank you for your support during such a difficult time."
"The new business received strong support from the local community."
"Many students rely on their parents for emotional support while studying."
verb
1
To hold something up or keep it from falling.
"These beams support the entire roof."
"A cane helped support his weight."
"Strong steel cables support the bridge over the river."
2
To back a cause, person, or idea.
"She supports several local charities."
"He's always supported his sister's career choices."
"I support the idea of planting more trees in our town."
3
To provide financial or practical help to someone.
"He works two jobs to support his family."
"Her grandparents supported her through university with money and regular meals."
"The scheme helps support families who have lost their homes."
4
To back up a claim with evidence.
"The data supports her theory."
"Several witnesses supported his version of what happened that evening."
"Nothing in the report supports the claim that the road was unsafe."
How to use support
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo hold up, back, help, or provide evidence for something or someone.
Common pairings
support a cause
financial support
support the claim
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- supports
- Past tense
- supported
- Archaic forms
- supportest, supportedst, supporteth
Fill the gap
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Thank you for your _____ during such a difficult time.
Etymology
From Old French supporter, from Latin supportare.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
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.
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