Support Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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support
[səˈpɔːrt ]
Definitions
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.
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| encouragement |
Refers to emotional or psychological support, usually in the form of words or actions that provide motivation and confidence.
|
| assistance |
Formal and somewhat technical term for help; often used in official, academic, or service-related contexts.
|
| aid |
Refers to physical help or assistance, often in the form of tangible goods or money; commonly used in humanitarian or medical contexts.
|
| backing |
Refers to support, often financial or authoritative, provided by individuals or organizations; commonly used in political or business contexts.
|
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.
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
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| support |
Appropriate when showing approval or providing comfort. Often used in both emotional and practical contexts.
|
| assist |
Best used in formal contexts or when providing practical help, often implying aid in completing a task.
|
| help |
A versatile term appropriate in casual and formal situations when providing general assistance or aid.
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| back |
Commonly used in informal or casual contexts to show approval or to defend someone or something, sometimes implying risk.
|
| endorse |
Typically used in formal settings, often implying a public statement of approval or support, especially for products, services, or individuals.
|
Examples of usage
- I will always support my friends in their endeavors.
- The data supports the theory that exercise improves mental health.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'support'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'support' originated from the Latin word 'supportare', which means 'to carry, convey, or sustain'. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century. The concept of providing support to others has always been essential for human survival and well-being.
See also: insupportable, supported, supporter, supporters, supporting, supportive, supportively, supportiveness, supports, unsupportable, unsupported.