Word
supportive
Phoneticssup·port·ive, stress on the second syllable
US/səˈpɔɹtɪv/
UK/səpˈɔːtɪv/
Definition
adj. giving help, encouragement, or sympathy to someone who needs it. You are supportive when you listen to a friend's problems or help them reach a goal.
adj. providing encouragement, emotional help, or practical assistance to another person. Often describes a person's character or the nature of a relationship.
Examples
“My family is very supportive of my new career.”
“The manager was incredibly supportive when I needed to take time off for a family emergency.”
“Creating a supportive environment in the workplace is essential for maintaining high levels of employee retention and overall mental well-being during periods of intense structural change.”
Examples
simple
“My family is very supportive of my new career.”
contextual
“The manager was incredibly supportive when I needed to take time off for a family emergency.”
complex
“Creating a supportive environment in the workplace is essential for maintaining high levels of employee retention and overall mental well-being during periods of intense structural change.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “supportive” in context.
Adjective
01. highly supportive
“My manager was highly supportive when I decided to pursue my master's degree while working.”
adv + adj
02. supportive environment
“The school aims to provide a supportive environment where every student feels valued.”
adj + noun
03. supportive evidence
“The researcher presented supportive evidence to back up her claims about the new treatment.”
adj + noun
Usage
Commonly followed by the preposition 'of' when identifying the object of the support.
Pitfall
She was supportive for me
She was supportive of me
When identifying the person or idea being helped, use the preposition 'of' rather than 'for'.
Real-World Examples
“Mitie said safety was the "highest priority" and it maintained "a safe, secure and supportive environment for prisoners, colleagues and visitors".” “Both the victim and Wood lived across the street from each other in supportive housing for people with mental disabilities.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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