Supporter

/səˈpɔːrtər/

nounBeginner🔥Very CommonPeople
2 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A person who agrees with and is in favor of someone or something.

/səˈpɔːrtər/

nounneutralBeginner
People

A person who actively encourages or champions a cause, person, or organization.

The senator's supporters cheered as he took the stage.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're cheering on your favorite team. A supporter is like you – someone who's on their side and wants them to win! They might donate money, wear their team's colors, or just yell really loudly!

👶 For kids: Someone who likes and helps a person or group, like cheering for your favorite team!

More Examples

2

The non-profit organization relies on its supporters for donations.

3

He is a strong supporter of environmental causes.

How It's Used

Politics

"The candidate's supporters gathered at the rally."

Sports

"The soccer team had thousands of devoted supporters."

Charity

"The charity relies on the generosity of its supporters."

2

Something that bears the weight or helps hold up another thing.

/səˈpɔːrtər/

nounneutralmedium
Structure

Something that provides structural or physical support.

The bridge's supports were reinforced to withstand the storm.

💡 Simply: Imagine a shelf holding up your books. The shelf itself is a supporter, keeping your books from falling on the floor!

👶 For kids: Something that holds something else up, like a strong table holding a heavy book!

More Examples

2

The building's supports need regular inspections.

3

The supports are made of concrete.

How It's Used

Construction

"The pillars acted as supporters for the roof."

Anatomy

"The ligaments are supporters of the knee joint."

Tip:Think of a building's support beams or a stand that holds something up.

Idioms & expressions

support someone's cause

To agree with and help a person or group to achieve something.

"Many people support the cause of animal rights."

in support of

Expressing agreement or backing for something.

"The company made a statement in support of the new environmental regulations."

From Middle English *supporten* (to support) + -er (agent suffix). The verb 'support' comes from Old French *supporter* (to support), from Latin *supportare* (to carry, bear, endure).

The word has been used since the late 14th century, evolving from the act of 'supporting' to the person doing the supporting.

Memory tip

Think of someone who "supports" your ideas or efforts, like a teammate or fan.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to carry, bear, endure"

strong supporterloyal supporterfinancial supportervocal supporter

Common misspellings

suportersuportorsuportter

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written