# supportive

/səˈpɔɹtɪv/ (US) · /səpˈɔːtɪv/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/supportive
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "She was supportive for me" but "She was supportive of me" — When identifying the person or idea being helped, use the preposition 'of' rather than 'for'.

## Usage notes

- Commonly followed by the preposition 'of' when identifying the object of the support.

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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.