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supporting

supporting

2.1
Giving help or comfort to someone who needs it
  • adjective
  • /səˈpɔːrtɪŋ/
translation icon : de apoyo
  • A supporting network of friends can help you through challenging times.

Examples

  • A supporting environment at work is essential for employee well-being.

  • The teacher’s supporting attitude made a big difference to her anxious students.

  • He played a supporting role in helping her recover from the setback.

  • She is very supporting during tough times.

  • His supporting words helped her feel better.

  • The coach provided supporting guidance that encouraged the players to improve.

  • Her supporting comments lifted his spirits after his difficult performance.

Synonyms

helpful
vssupporting
689 1.0

Willing to give support and useful advice

focuses on emotional encouragement rather than practical help
supportive
vssupporting
348 2.8

Willing to give help or comfort when someone needs it

is the same in meaning and use
comforting
vssupporting
134 1.4

Making someone feel less worried or upset

covers broader help, not only calming emotions
encouraging
vssupporting
73 1.9

Giving someone support or hope so they feel more confident

includes emotional support but also practical or steady assistance
in someone's corner
vssupporting
  • Informal
1 4.6

Support someone during difficult times

offers general help or encouragement not only in hard times

Antonyms

8 4.4

Not giving enough care or attention when something needs it

4 5.0

Does not give help or support to someone

Compounds

An actor who plays a small but important role in a film or play

A part that holds something and keeps it upright, like columns or a skeleton

supporting fire
  • Specialized
1 7.0

Gunfire by other soldiers or tanks that protects attacking soldiers from the enemy

close supporting fire
  • Specialized
8.5

Gunfire aimed near friendly troops to protect them from immediate enemy threats

deep supporting fire
  • Specialized
8.8

Fire from heavy guns at enemy targets far behind friendly troops to disrupt supplies and reinforcements

Fire from guns or artillery that helps one group of soldiers during combat

supporting tower
  • Specialized
4.5

A tall structure that holds and steadies bridges or power lines

How Supportive

supporting
2.1
encouraging
73 1.9
helpful
689 1.0
unsupportive
4 5.0

Surface Forms

supporting positive

Morphology

supporting = support (transparent) = support + ing

Derived transparently from the verb 'support' with the productive '-ing' adjectival/participle formation meaning 'giving help or encouragement.'

Etymology

Supporting comes from Latin parts sub- 'under' and portare 'to carry', so think of it as 'carrying from below' in a human way. That's why supporting means giving help or encouragement to 'hold someone up' when they need it.