Supported
səˈpɔːrtɪd
Definitions
4 meaningsTo provide help, encouragement, or strength to someone or something.
səˈpɔːrt
To give assistance to, to help.
The charity supported the homeless by providing food and shelter.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend is struggling. Supporting them means helping them out, like cheering them on or giving them a hand when they need it. Like, "I'm here to support you if you want to try out for the team!"
👶 For kids: Helping someone or something. Like when you help your friend carry their toys.
More Examples
The bridge is supported by strong pillars.
He supported his family by working two jobs.
How It's Used
"The politician was supported by a majority of voters."
"The company supports its employees with generous benefits."
To bear the weight of something.
səˈpɔːrt
To bear the weight of; to hold up.
The pillars supported the weight of the roof.
💡 Simply: Imagine a building that can't stand without its foundation; support means being the thing that's holding something up. Like, "The table supports the weight of all the books."
👶 For kids: To hold something up so it doesn't fall.
More Examples
The bridge is supported by massive cables.
The tree's branches are supported by the trunk.
How It's Used
"The roof is supported by a network of beams."
"The foundation supports the weight of the building."
To tolerate or endure something.
səˈpɔːrt
To tolerate or endure.
The community supported the new law.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're facing a tough situation. Supporting it means handling it or enduring it. Like, "I can support the idea, but it needs more work."
👶 For kids: To stand for something, or put up with something.
More Examples
She supported his decision to quit his job.
I don't support the idea, I find it incorrect.
How It's Used
"She supported his behavior, even though it was unusual."
"The company supported the ethical conduct of its employees."
Something that provides help, encouragement, or strength.
səˈpɔːrt
A thing that supports someone or something.
The foundation provides structural support for the building.
💡 Simply: Support is like a base, something that can hold you up. "They gave me support with my homework, I learned a lot!"
👶 For kids: Help.
More Examples
I need emotional support during this difficult time.
The customer service team provides support to users of the software.
How It's Used
"The company provides excellent customer support."
"The foundation provides structural support."
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'), from Latin *supportare* ('to carry, bring up'), from *sub* ('up from below') + *portare* ('to carry').
The word 'support' has been used since the 13th century, initially meaning 'to bear or endure'. Its meaning evolved over time to include assistance and backing.
Memory tip
Think of holding someone up, preventing them from falling.
Word Origin
"to carry, bring up"