support Definition
- 1to give assistance or encouragement to someone or something
- 2to hold up the weight of something
- 3a thing that bears the weight of something or keeps it upright
Using support: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "support" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
I will support you in your decision.
Example
The wall is not strong enough to support the weight of the roof.
Example
The shelf provides support for the books.
Example
The company has pledged to support local charities.
Example
The government supports the arts through grants and funding.
support Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using support
to hold on tightly to something for support, often in a dangerous or precarious situation
Example
As the rollercoaster went upside down, she hung on for dear life.
to reveal one's real character or intentions, often in a situation where they are expected to provide support or help
Example
When the going got tough, he showed his true colors and abandoned his teammates.
Example
The CEO threw her weight behind the new product launch.
Phrases with support
emotional support
providing comfort and encouragement to someone who is going through a difficult time
Example
She relied on her friends for emotional support after her father passed away.
Example
If you have any issues with the software, please contact technical support.
money paid by a non-custodial parent to a custodial parent to help cover the costs of raising a child
Example
He was ordered to pay child support after the divorce.
Origins of support
from Old French 'supporter', from Latin 'supportare', from 'sub-' (from below) + 'portare' (to carry)
Summary: support in Brief
The term 'support' [səˈpɔːt] refers to giving assistance or encouragement, holding up weight, or providing a thing that bears weight. It can be used as a verb or a noun, and examples include 'I will support you in your decision,' 'The shelf provides support for the books,' and 'The government supports the arts through grants and funding.' Phrases like 'emotional support' and 'child support' extend its meaning, while idioms like 'hang on for dear life' and 'show one's true colors' add color to its usage.
