supports - Master This Word
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supports Word Meanings
- to help or assist someone or something
- to hold up or bear the weight of
- to provide evidence or justification for an idea
supports Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
supports Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/səˈpɔːt/
US
/səˈpɔrt/
supports Word Etymology
Support comes from 'sub-' (under) + 'portare' (to carry). Its historical origin is Latin → Old French → English. Imagine a sturdy beam supporting a roof, symbolizing strength beneath a structure.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I bend my knees, place my hands under the heavy box, and lift just enough to support it. As the weight settles, the box steadies in my grip and I feel a careful, constant push and pull to keep it from tipping. That tiny act of holding up becomes how I back up a point with proof and organize ideas. In daily life, when someone needs help, I adjust my stance, set the right resources, and keep the support steady so they feel backed.
Real Context
Support can be a verb or a noun, and it covers acting to help someone or something, holding up a structure, or providing justification for an idea. As a verb, you can support a friend by listening, fundraise for a cause, or support a candidate's proposal by presenting evidence. As a noun, a person or thing that gives support may hold up a beam, back a plan, or offer emotional support. Historically, the word comes from Latin sub- (under) and portare (to carry), passing through Old French into English. Learners often confuse two senses, thinking support always means physical backing, whereas it frequently means emotional or evidential backing as well.
Usage Reminders
- Remember: use 'support' as a verb with a person or idea; use it as a noun for backing or evidence; combine with 'support for' or 'support of' when needed; distinguish physical support from emotional or logical backing; be mindful of collocations like 'support a claim' and 'support someone financially'.
Common Misconceptions
- Supports only physical backing is not true; can be emotional or evidentiary.
- Confusing 'support' with 'assist' in all contexts.
- Mistaking 'support' for 'back up' in all senses.
- Thinking 'support' always involves people; can refer to objects or ideas too.
- Overusing 'support' where 'assist' or 'sustain' fits better.
Thinking Differences
In English, 'support' spans physical backing, emotional help, and logical justification. Learners often confuse 'support' with 'assist' or 'back' and miss evidential uses.
Learning Tips
- Identify the two main senses: physical support and backing for ideas or people.
- Learn common collocations: support a claim, support a family financially.
- Differentiate noun vs verb usage in context.
- Practice with phrases: 'support for', 'support of', 'supportive of'.
- Use synonyms (assist, help, back) only where appropriate to avoid nuance errors.
- Add examples that show emotional vs evidential backing.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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