ENGLISH
REFERENCE

supporting

n.
B1 Intermediate US //səˈpɔɹtɪŋ// UK //səpˈɔːtɪŋ// sup·port·ing

n. giving help, money, or encouragement to someone or something. You use this to describe people or things that help a main person or idea succeed.

n. providing assistance, encouragement, or financial backing to a person, cause, or organization. Often used to describe a secondary role that assists a primary one.


SIMPLE

She has a very supporting family.

CONTEXTUAL

The local government provided supporting evidence to justify the new environmental regulations.

COMPLEX

While the lead actor received the most praise, the supporting cast provided the emotional depth necessary to make the play a success.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

Typically placed before the noun it modifies; often used in the context of 'supporting role' or 'supporting evidence'.

Pitfall

He was very supportive to the planHe was very supportive of the planWhile 'supporting' is an adjective, the related form 'supportive' usually takes the preposition 'of' rather than 'to'.

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