Support
/səˈpɔːrt/
Definitions
5 meaningsTo bear the weight of something; to hold up; to provide physical or structural assistance.
/səˈpɔːrt/
To bear all or part of the weight of; hold up.
The bridge is supported by strong steel cables.
💡 Simply: Think of a strong friend who always has your back. Supporting something is like holding it up, making sure it doesn't fall, like a shelf holding books or a hand holding a baby.
👶 For kids: To hold something up so it doesn't fall.
More Examples
The foundation supports the entire building.
She supported the weight of the heavy box.
How It's Used
"The pillars support the roof of the building."
"The chair supports my weight."
To provide aid or assistance to someone or something, especially financially.
/səˈpɔːrt/
To give assistance to, especially financially.
The charity supports families in need.
💡 Simply: When you support someone, you're helping them out. It could be giving them money to live on, helping them in a game or on a team, or sticking up for them.
👶 For kids: To help someone or something.
More Examples
The company supports local community projects.
She supported her friend during a difficult time.
How It's Used
"The government supports the arts through grants."
"He supports his family with his income."
To express agreement with or to advocate for; to back up a claim or idea.
/səˈpɔːrt/
To agree with or advocate for.
The majority of the committee supported the proposal.
💡 Simply: To support an idea is to agree with it or want it to happen. It's like cheering for your favorite sports team, or voting for a law you like.
👶 For kids: To say you agree with something.
More Examples
His actions support his claims.
She supports the idea of going on a vacation.
How It's Used
"The citizens supported the new policy."
"The evidence supports the theory."
Help, assistance, or encouragement provided to someone or something.
/səˈpɔːrt/
A thing or person that provides help or assistance.
The team received strong support from their fans.
💡 Simply: Support is when someone gives you a hand, helps you out, cheers you up, or gives you money or other things you need.
👶 For kids: Help, like when your friends help you build a Lego tower.
More Examples
The government provides financial support to families.
His family was a great support during his recovery.
How It's Used
"She was a great support during his illness."
"He offered his support during her difficult time."
A structure or object that bears the weight of something.
/səˈpɔːrt/
Physical or structural element that holds something up.
The supports of the bridge were damaged in the storm.
💡 Simply: The part of something that holds it up. For example, the supports of a bridge.
👶 For kids: The thing that holds something up, like a pole that holds up a tent.
More Examples
The tent needs stronger supports.
The roof is held up by steel supports.
How It's Used
"The building's support is failing."
"The columns are the main support for the structure."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
in support of
Expressing agreement or backing for something.
"The company made a statement in support of the new environmental regulations."
show support
Demonstrating backing or solidarity.
"The crowd showed their support by cheering."
From Middle English *supporten*, from Old French *supporter* ('to bear, endure, assist'), from Latin *supportare* ('to carry, convey, sustain'), from *sub* ('up from below, under') + *portare* ('to carry').
The word 'support' has been used since the 14th century and originally meant 'to bear the weight of'. Its meaning expanded over time to include financial and emotional assistance and also agreement or backing.
Memory tip
Imagine a strong hand holding up a heavy object. That's supporting it.
Word Origin
"to carry from below, sustain"