TOP

Definition of support verb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

support

verb
 
/səˈpɔːt/
 
/səˈpɔːrt/
Verb Forms
present simple I / you / we / they support
 
/səˈpɔːt/
 
/səˈpɔːrt/
he / she / it supports
 
/səˈpɔːts/
 
/səˈpɔːrts/
past simple supported
 
/səˈpɔːtɪd/
 
/səˈpɔːrtɪd/
past participle supported
 
/səˈpɔːtɪd/
 
/səˈpɔːrtɪd/
-ing form supporting
 
/səˈpɔːtɪŋ/
 
/səˈpɔːrtɪŋ/
jump to other results

    encourage/give help

  1. to help or encourage somebody/something by saying or showing that you agree with them/it synonym back
    • support somebody/something to support an idea/a view
    • The party fully supports new welfare reform bill.
    • Efforts to reduce waste are strongly supported by environmental groups.
    • The majority of ordinary citizens did not support the war.
    • If you raise it at the meeting, I'll support you.
    • support somebody/something in something The government supported the unions in their demand for a minimum wage.
    Extra Examples
    • He has consistently supported the tax cuts.
    • I strongly support the view that education should be available to everyone.
    • The people of this country overwhelmingly support their president.
    • These policies were widely supported in the country.
    • Very few countries supported the United States in its action.
    Topics Successa2, Politicsa2
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadverb
    • overwhelmingly
    • fervently
    • fully
    verb + support
    • agree to
    • pledge to
    • promise to
    preposition
    • in
    phrases
    • be well supported
    • be widely supported
    • support and encourage somebody/​something
    See full entry
  2. support somebody to give or be ready to give help to somebody if they need it
    • an organization that supports people with AIDS
    • She supported her husband through many difficult times.
    • The company will support customers in Europe (= solve their problems with a product).
    Extra Examples
    • Teachers should always support and encourage their students.
    • The group is actively supported by several Members of Parliament.
    • The event was organized by Sam and Alex, ably supported by their classmates.
    • You need colleagues who will support you in your work.
    • The soloists were ably supported by the University Singers.
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadverb
    • overwhelmingly
    • fervently
    • fully
    verb + support
    • agree to
    • pledge to
    • promise to
    preposition
    • in
    phrases
    • be well supported
    • be widely supported
    • support and encourage somebody/​something
    See full entry
  3. sports team

  4. support somebody/something (British English) to like a particular sports team, watch their games, etc.
    • Which team do you support?
    • Who do you support?
  5. provide money, etc.

  6. support something to help or encourage something to be successful by giving it money synonym sponsor
    • The project was supported by grants from various charities.
    • A number of famous actors actively supported the campaign.
    • Several major companies are supporting the project.
    Extra Examples
    • The government has refused to support a new veterinary school in the region.
    • This work was partially supported by the government.
    Topics Successb1
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadverb
    • financially
    • generously
    • partially
    verb + support
    • help (to)
    preposition
    • through
    See full entry
  7. support somebody/something/yourself to provide everything necessary, especially money, so that somebody/something can live or exist
    • He struggles to support his family.
    • She supported herself through college by working as a waitress in a local bar.
    • He turned to crime to support his drug habit.
    • The atmosphere of Mars could not support life.
    Extra Examples
    • I have two children to support.
    • Her parents supported her all through university.
    • The town supports a small fishing fleet.
    Topics Moneyb1
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadverb
    • financially
    • generously
    • partially
    verb + support
    • help (to)
    preposition
    • through
    See full entry
  8. help prove something

  9. support something to help to show that something is true synonym corroborate
    • Current data support this hypothesis.
    • There is no evidence to support his claims.
    • The witness's story was not supported by the evidence.
    • He said the figures were questionable and not well supported.
    Language Bank evidenceevidenceGiving proof
      • There is clear evidence that TV advertising influences what children buy.
      • It is clear from numerous studies that TV advertising influences what children buy.
      • Recent research demonstrates that TV advertising influences children’s spending habits.
      • Many parents think that TV advertising influences their children. This view is supported by the findings of a recent study, which show a clear link between television advertisements and children’s spending habits.
      • The findings also reveal that most children are unaware of the persuasive purpose of advertising.
      • There is little evidence that children understand the persuasive intent of advertising.
      • The results contradict claims that advertising is unrelated to children’s spending habits.
      • Manufacturers argue that it is difficult to prove that advertising alone influences what children buy.
    Extra Examples
    • The results of the experiment supported her theory.
    • Our results clearly support this view.
    • Research has generally supported these predictions.
    • The sample adequately supports this conclusion.
    Topics Opinion and argumentb1
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadverb
    • strongly
    • weakly
    • adequately
    verb + support
    • appear to
    • seem to
    • tend to
    phrases
    • be supported by data
    • be supported by evidence
    • be well supported
    See full entry
  10. hold in position

  11. support somebody/something to hold somebody/something in position; to prevent somebody/something from falling
    • a platform supported by concrete pillars
    • Support the baby's head when you hold it.
    • She walked carefully down the stairs, supported by her grandson.
    Topics Buildingsb2
  12. pop/rock concert

  13. support somebody/something (of a band or singer) to perform in a pop or rock concert before the main performer
    • They were supported by a local Liverpool band.
    Topics Musicc1
  14. computer

  15. support something (of a computer or computer system) to allow a particular program, language or device to be used with it
    • This digital audio player supports multiple formats.
  16. Word OriginMiddle English (originally in the sense ‘tolerate’): from Old French supporter, from Latin supportare, from sub- ‘from below’ + portare ‘carry’.
See support in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee support in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English
elaborate
adjective
 
 
From the Word list
Oxford 5000
C1
Oxford Learner's Dictionaries Word of the Day