Supporting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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supporting

[sษ™หˆpษ”หrtษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in a team or group

Providing encouragement and help to others in a team or group setting. It involves offering assistance, backing, and reinforcement to achieve common goals.

Synonyms

backing, encouraging, reinforcing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
supporting

Duplicate of the first entry.

encouraging

Used when giving someone confidence or hope, often through positive words or actions.

  • Teachers are encouraging students to explore new ideas
  • She is always encouraging her team with motivational talks
backing

Used when providing strong, often influential, assistance or approval, usually in terms of resources, authority, or finance.

  • The politician has the backing of several major corporations
  • The project will not go ahead without the board's backing
reinforcing

Used when making an idea, belief, or feeling stronger or more pronounced, often through repetition or additional support.

  • The lecture reinforced the importance of good nutrition
  • The coachโ€™s speech reinforced the teamโ€™s confidence

Examples of usage

  • He is always supporting his teammates on and off the field.
  • She plays a key role in supporting the group dynamics.
Context #2 | Verb

upholding or advocating for something

To uphold, advocate for, or defend a cause, idea, or person. It involves standing by someone or something and promoting its interests.

Synonyms

advocating, defending, upholding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
supporting

When you are backing or helping someone or something in a general sense. It doesn't necessarily imply taking a strong stance.

  • She was supporting her friend's decision to study abroad.
  • They are supporting the local charity with donations.
advocating

When you are actively recommending or arguing in favor of something. It often implies a strong commitment to a cause.

  • He is advocating for better healthcare reforms.
  • The organization is advocating for the rights of indigenous people.
upholding

When you are maintaining or preserving something in the face of challenges. It often refers to principles, rules, or traditions.

  • The judge is upholding the law despite public opinion.
  • They are upholding the family tradition of celebrating holidays together.
defending

When you are protecting someone or something from criticism, attack, or negative consequences. It often has a combative tone.

  • She was defending her actions in the meeting.
  • The lawyer is defending his client in court.

Examples of usage

  • She is known for supporting human rights issues.
  • The company has a long history of supporting environmental initiatives.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Studies show that emotional support can significantly reduce stress and improve overall mental health.
  • Research indicates that people who feel supported by others are more likely to achieve their goals and have higher self-esteem.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, supporting characters often play crucial roles in the main story, shaping the protagonist's journey.
  • Popular songs frequently include themes of support, emphasizing friendship and community, which resonate with audiences.

Social Dynamics

  • Communities where members actively support each other tend to be more resilient during difficult times.
  • Support groups have been shown to help individuals cope with various challenges, from addiction to grief.

Education

  • Teachers play a supporting role in students' lives, guiding their learning and helping them grow academically and socially.
  • Peer tutoring is a great example of supporting, as students learn better when they help one another.

Origin of 'supporting'

Main points about word origin

  • The word has roots in the Old French term 'suporter', which means to carry or endure, showing how it has always been about helping.
  • In Latin, 'supportare' literally means 'to carry from below', reflecting the idea of lifting someone up.

The word 'supporting' originates from the Latin word 'supportare', which means 'to carry' or 'to sustain'. It has evolved over time to encompass not just physical support, but also emotional, mental, and moral support. In modern usage, 'supporting' is widely used in various contexts, from sports teams to social causes, reflecting the importance of standing by and assisting others.


See also: insupportable, support, supported, supporter, supporters, supportive, supportively, supportiveness, supports, unsupportable, unsupported.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,447, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.