What is support? Pronunciation and usage in English

support means . Learn how to pronounce and use support through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of support

supportverb/noun

/səˈpɔːt/
Definition & pronunciation of support

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "support" in English. There are a couple of common pronunciations, and they’re both considered correct!

1. The Most Common Pronunciation (American English):

  • IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet): /səˈpɔːrt/

  • Breakdown:

    • sə: This is a very short, unstressed "suh" sound. Think of it as almost silent.
    • ˈpɔːrt: This is the stressed syllable.
      • pɔː: Pronounce this with a broad “ah” sound, like in "father." It's a longer vowel sound.
      • rt: A short "r" sound.

  • How it sounds: It's often described as sounding a bit like "suh-PORT" but with more emphasis on the "port" part.

2. The British English Pronunciation:

  • IPA: /səˈpɔːt/ (very similar to American, but with subtle differences)
  • Breakdown: Very similar to the American version.
  • How it sounds: Slightly less emphasis on the “ah” sound – more like "suh-port."

Tips for Getting it Right:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you a more detailed explanation of a specific part of the sound?

Usage and examples with the word support in English

Let's break down how to use the word "support" in English. It's a hugely versatile word with many different meanings! Here's a categorized breakdown with examples:

1. Providing Assistance (Most Common)

  • Meaning: To give help, encouragement, or resources to someone or something.
  • Examples:
    • "I support my family financially." (Providing money)
    • "She supports her local sports team." (Cheering them on, buying merchandise)
    • "He supports his friend when they’re going through a difficult time." (Offering emotional help)
    • "The charity supports homeless people." (Providing food, shelter, etc.)
    • "I support your decision." (Offering encouragement and backing your choice)

2. Physical Stability & Bearing Weight

  • Meaning: To hold something up or prevent it from falling.
  • Examples:
    • "The table needs support." (Means it’s wobbly and needs something to keep it stable)
    • "The bridge supports heavy traffic." (The structure holds the weight)
    • "The column supports the roof." (The column is a structural element)

3. Legal & Political (Backing an Idea or Candidate)

  • Meaning: To publicly endorse or advocate for something – a cause, a policy, a person.
  • Examples:
    • "I support universal healthcare." (I believe it’s a good idea and want it implemented)
    • "She supports the local candidate for mayor." (She is campaigning for them or donating to their campaign)
    • “He supports the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.” (He advocates for these rights)

4. In Groups & Teams (Contributing)

  • Meaning: To be part of a group working toward a common goal; to contribute to a team's success.
  • Examples:
    • "The team is really supporting each other." (They are helping and encouraging each other)
    • "I support the project’s timeline.” (I agree with the schedule and will help it move forward)

5. Biological (Growth & Development)

  • Meaning: To nourish or enable growth. (Often used in gardening or with plants).
  • Examples:
    • "Fertilizer supports plant growth." (Provides nutrients)
    • "The roots support the tree." (Anchors the tree and provides stability)

6. As a Verb (To be in agreement or have a positive view)

  • Meaning: To agree with or believe in something. (Often used informally).
  • Examples:
    • “I support the idea that we should travel more.” (I agree with that idea)
    • “Do you support me in this?” (Do you agree with my plan?)

7. Phrases with "Support"

  • Give support: To help someone. (Example: "She gave him a lot of emotional support.")
  • Seek support: To ask for help. (Example: “I’m seeking support from a therapist.”)
  • Provide support: To offer assistance. (Example: “The organization provides support to refugees.”)
  • Social support: Emotional and practical help from others.

Tips for Using "Support" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "support" changes drastically depending on the situation. Pay attention to the surrounding words.
  • Synonyms: Consider synonyms like help, assist, encourage, endorse, advocate, back, uphold, bolster, strengthen.
  • Formal vs. Informal: "Support" is generally suitable for both formal and informal settings.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to use “support” in a sentence for? (e.g., are you writing an essay, having a conversation, etc.?)
  • Is there a particular context you’re struggling with (e.g., legal support, emotional support, physical support)?

Synonyms for the word support

Practice with vocabulary support

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The latest economic data appears to strongly ______ the government's claim of a robust recovery.
  2. Our project team needs your full ______ to successfully navigate the final stages of development.
  3. The new software is designed to ______ users with complex data analysis by providing intuitive visualization tools.
  4. The antique vase required a specialized stand to ______ its fragile structure and prevent damage.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following verbs can be used to describe providing evidence or confirming a statement? (Select all that apply) a) contradict b) bolster c) undermine d) substantiate e) refute

  2. The non-profit organization relies heavily on public ______ to fund its community outreach programs. (Select all that apply) a) opposition b) aid c) resistance d) backing e) hindrance

  3. To ensure the success of the new policy, it's crucial to gain ______ from key stakeholders and influential figures. (Select all that apply) a) dissent b) endorsement c) challenge d) support e) rejection

  4. The company made a public statement to ______ its commitment to ethical labor practices. a) abandon b) dismantle c) undermine d) uphold e) violate

  5. As a brand ambassador, her primary role is to ______ the company's products and values to a wider audience. (Select all that apply) a) disparage b) advocate c) detract d) promote e) criticize

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The university offers financial help to students who are conducting groundbreaking research. (Rewrite using "support" or a related word form.)
  2. Despite the initial difficulties, the team managed to maintain the project's momentum and progress. (Rewrite using "support" or a related word form.)
  3. Many citizens publicly expressed their approval for the mayor's initiatives on urban development. (Rewrite without using "support" or its direct synonyms, using a suitable replacement word.)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. support
  2. support
  3. assist
  4. withstand

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) bolster, d) substantiate
  2. b) aid, d) backing
  3. b) endorsement, d) support
  4. d) uphold
  5. b) advocate, d) promote

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The university offers financial support to students who are conducting groundbreaking research. OR The university supports students financially in their groundbreaking research.
  2. Despite the initial difficulties, the team managed to support the project's momentum and progress.
  3. Many citizens publicly endorsed the mayor's initiatives on urban development.

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