Support: meaning, definitions and examples

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support

[səˈpɔːrt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

emotional assistance

Support is the act of giving encouragement, help, or comfort to someone in need. It can come in the form of emotional support, financial support, or physical support.

Synonyms

aid, assistance, backing, encouragement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
support	General term for help, often both emotional and practical; commonly used in various contexts including personal, professional, and technical. She provided emotional support during a difficult time. The project had the full support of the management team.
encouragement	Refers to emotional or psychological support, usually in the form of words or actions that provide motivation and confidence. Her teacher's encouragement helped her believe in herself. His words of encouragement were greatly appreciated.
assistance	Formal and somewhat technical term for help; often used in official, academic, or service-related contexts. She requires assistance with her research. Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
aid	Refers to physical help or assistance, often in the form of tangible goods or money; commonly used in humanitarian or medical contexts. International aid was sent to the disaster-stricken region. Financial aid is available for students who qualify.
backing	Refers to support, often financial or authoritative, provided by individuals or organizations; commonly used in political or business contexts. The new candidate received considerable backing from local businesses. The startup secured financial backing from several investors.

Examples of usage

She needed the support of her friends during a difficult time.
The organization provides support for those struggling with mental health issues.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

to give assistance

To support means to help, assist, or back someone or something. It can also refer to providing evidence or justification for a claim or idea.

Synonyms

assist, back, endorse, help.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
support	Appropriate when showing approval or providing comfort. Often used in both emotional and practical contexts. I will support your decision no matter what. The community supports the local charity projects.
assist	Best used in formal contexts or when providing practical help, often implying aid in completing a task. The manager assisted the team with the project. The charity assists those in need.
help	A versatile term appropriate in casual and formal situations when providing general assistance or aid. Can you help me with my homework? The organization helps people during natural disasters.
back	Commonly used in informal or casual contexts to show approval or to defend someone or something, sometimes implying risk. I will back your plan in tomorrow's meeting. Many investors are backing the new startup.
endorse	Typically used in formal settings, often implying a public statement of approval or support, especially for products, services, or individuals. The celebrity endorsed the new brand of sneakers. Several politicians endorse the bill.

Examples of usage

I will always support my friends in their endeavors.
The data supports the theory that exercise improves mental health.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term comes from the Latin 'supportare', meaning 'to carry' or 'to bear up', reflecting its meaning of providing help.
In Old French, it transformed into 'supporter', which meant to sustain or endure.
The word has been used in English since the 14th century, initially linked to physical support.

Psychology

Research shows that social support can significantly reduce stress and improve overall mental health.
Experiencing consistent support from others has been linked to greater life satisfaction and happiness.
Different types of support include emotional (like comfort), informational (like advice), and tangible (like physical help).

Technology

In tech, 'support' refers to customer service that helps users solve problems with products or services.
Support systems like forums and help desks have grown with the rise of technology, facilitating user engagement.
Open-source software is heavily reliant on community support for maintenance and updates.

Art & Literature

In literature, themes of support often appear in narratives of friendship, heroism, and personal struggle.
Artworks can depict support, such as showing one person helping another, emphasizing human connection and community.
The famous painting 'The Support' by Frida Kahlo reflects deep emotional connections and support in her life.

Pop Culture

Support has become a popular theme in movies and TV shows, often showcasing the importance of teamwork and camaraderie.
The phrase 'support your troops' has become widely recognized, emphasizing the cultural importance of backing those in service.
Many celebrities advocate for mental health support, raising awareness about the significance of seeking help.

Translations

Translations of the word "support" in other languages:

🇵🇹 apoio

🇮🇳 समर्थन

🇩🇪 Unterstützung

🇮🇩 dukungan

🇺🇦 підтримка

🇵🇱 wsparcie

🇯🇵 サポート

🇫🇷 soutien

🇪🇸 apoyo

🇹🇷 destek

🇰🇷 지원

🇸🇦 دعم

🇨🇿 podpora

🇸🇰 podpora

🇨🇳 支持

🇸🇮 podpora

🇮🇸 stuðningur

🇰🇿 қолдау

🇬🇪 მხარდაჭერა

🇦🇿 dəstək

🇲🇽 apoyo

Word Frequency Rank

With position #257, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.

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254 yet
255 therefore
256 program
257 support
258 light
259 increase
260 common
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