# supported

/səˈpɔɹtɪd/ (US) · /səpˈɔːtɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/supported
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. helped or encouraged

verb · CEFR A2

gave help, money, or encouragement to someone or something.

For teachers: provided assistance, financial backing, or emotional encouragement to a person, cause, or organisation.

- Her family supported her decision to go back to university.
- The local community supported the initiative by donating both their time and significant financial resources to the renovation project.

### 2. held up physically

verb · CEFR B1

held something up so that it stayed in place and did not fall.

For teachers: bore the weight of an object or structure to keep it in a fixed position.

- The heavy roof was supported by four large stone pillars.
- The suspension bridge is supported by massive steel cables anchored deep into the bedrock on either side of the river.

### 3. proven with evidence

adjective · CEFR B2 · Academic

shown to be true by facts or information.

For teachers: corroborated or substantiated by empirical evidence or logical documentation.

- The scientist's theory was supported by the results of the experiment.
- The hypothesis remained controversial until it was supported by a series of peer-reviewed studies conducted across multiple independent laboratories.

### 4. compatible with technology

adjective · CEFR B1 · Technical

able to work with a specific computer system or piece of software.

For teachers: compatible with a particular hardware architecture or software environment.

- This video format is not supported by older mobile phones.
- The latest security patch is only supported on operating systems released within the last three years.

## Examples

- My family supported me while I was at university.
- The local community supported the new library project by donating books and volunteering their time.
- The bridge is supported by massive concrete pillars that were engineered to withstand the pressure of the river's current during the spring floods.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.