Second

Definition

The word "second" has several major senses: (1) an ordinal numeral indicating the position after first; (2) a base SI unit of time equal to 1⁄60 of a minute; (3) a person or thing that ranks next after the first in importance, quality, or order; (4) a verb meaning to formally support or endorse a proposal; and (5) an adjective or adverb describing something that comes next in a sequence or occurs after another.

Parts of Speech

• Ordinal Numeral
• Noun
• Verb
• Adjective
• Adverb

Pronunciation

American English

• Noun/Adj./Ord./Adv.: IPA /ˈsɛkənd/ – RESP SEK‑ənd
• Verb (to support): IPA /sɪˈkʌnd/ – RESP sih‑KUND

British English

• Noun/Adj./Ord./Adv.: IPA /ˈsɛkənd/ – RESP SEK‑ənd
• Verb (to support): IPA /sɪˈkɒnd/ – RESP sih‑KOND

Etymology

The ordinal sense of "second" stems from Old French second, from Latin secundus “following, next, favorable,” related to sequī “to follow.” The time‑unit sense traces to medieval Latin secunda (pars minuta) “second diminished part (of an hour),” a subdivision following the minute. The verb sense ("to support") arose in the late 16th century from the idea of “following up” another speaker.

Derivatives

• Secondly (adverb): Introducing the second point in a series
• Second‑hand (adjective/adverb): Previously owned; at an intermediate remove
• Secondary (adjective): Of lesser or supporting importance
• Seconding (noun/participle): The act of formally supporting a motion
• Split‑second (noun/adjective): An extremely short moment of time

Synonyms

• Next: Coming immediately after the first
• Moment (time‑sense): A very brief period
• Support (verb‑sense): To back or endorse
• Assistant (noun‑sense): A helper ranked after the principal

Antonyms

• First: Preceding all others in order or importance
• Primary: Of chief rank or significance
• Oppose (verb‑sense): To disagree with or resist

Usage

"Second" is ubiquitous in scientific measurement, scheduling, ordinal lists, and parliamentary procedure. Examples: "The race finished in under ten seconds," "She placed second in the competition," "I second the motion," and "First, we review the data; second, we discuss implications."

Related Terms

• Minute: A time unit equal to sixty seconds
• Third: The ordinal position after second
• Chronometry: The science of precise time measurement

Detailed Definitions

Ordinal Numeral

• The position immediately after first: Indicates sequential order in ranking or listing.
  • Example: "Her name appears second on the roster."

Noun

• A basic SI unit of time equal to 1⁄60 of a minute: Serves as the fundamental measure for duration in science and daily life.
  • Example: "Light travels about 300,000 kilometers in one second."
• A person or thing that is next after the first in rank or quality: Denotes runner‑up status or a supporting role.
  • Example: "He finished a close second in the election."
• An assistant to a duelist or boxer (historical): Refers to the attendant who aids and represents a principal fighter.
  • Example: "The duelist’s second negotiated the terms."

Verb

• To formally support or endorse a proposal or motion: Gives the proposal eligibility for debate or vote.
  • Example: "I second the chairperson’s nomination."
• To transfer temporarily to another post or duty (chiefly BrE): Describes the act of assigning personnel to a different department or organization.
  • Example: "She was seconded to the UN for six months."

Adjective

• Next after the first in order, rank, or quality: Identifies subordinate or subsequent position.
  • Example: "They live on the second floor."
• Additional or spare; other: Refers to an extra item kept for convenience.
  • Example: "Always carry a second battery."

Adverb

• In the second place; after the first item in a series: Used to organize discourse or argument.
  • Example: "Second, we will evaluate the costs."