English Reference
adjective · verb · noun

supporting

adj. · v. · n.
US /səˈpɔɹtɪŋ/ UK /səpˈɔːtɪŋ/ sup·port·ing

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    adj.describing a person or thing that helps a main part succeed, like an actor who is not the lead.

    adj.serving to provide assistance or backing; in performing arts, denoting a role or performer secondary to the leads.

    Simple

    She won an award for best supporting actress in the new drama.

    In context

    The lead researcher acknowledged that the supporting staff were instrumental in managing the daily logistics of the clinical trial.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun it describes.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    adj.giving proof or reasons that show an idea is true.

    adj.providing corroboration or evidence to strengthen a claim or argument.

    Simple

    You need to include supporting documents with your visa application.

    In context

    The legal team spent months gathering supporting evidence to ensure the witness's testimony would hold up under cross-examination.

    Usage

    Commonly used with nouns like 'evidence', 'documents', or 'details'.

    corroboratingsubstantiating
  3. 03 B1 Intermediate

    v.the action of helping someone or holding the weight of something.

    v.the present participle of 'support', indicating the ongoing act of providing assistance, approval, or physical bracing.

    Simple

    Thank you for supporting our small business during the holidays.

    In context

    By supporting the local community through various charitable initiatives, the corporation managed to significantly improve its public image.

    Usage

    Used in continuous tenses or as a gerund.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Technical

    n.something that holds another thing up so it does not fall.

    n.a structural element or material that provides physical stability or bears weight.

    Simple

    The workers added extra supporting to the old wall before they started the repairs.

    In context

    The architectural plan called for steel supporting to be integrated into the foundation to prevent subsidence in the marshy soil.

    Usage

    Often refers to temporary structures in construction.

Usage supporting young

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated