Supportive

Definition

Supportive describes providing encouragement or emotional help to someone.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /səˈpɔrtɪv/
• Respelling: suh-PORT-iv (with "suh" as a schwa sound like the 'u' in "supply," "PORT" as in "port," and "iv" as in "give")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /səˈpɔːtɪv/
• Respelling: suh-PORT-iv (similar to American English, with "suh" as in "supply," "PORT" like in "port," and "iv" as in "give")

In both dialects, "supportive" is pronounced with the primary stress on the second syllable, "PORT." The pronunciation is consistent across both American and British English, with the main difference being in the length of the "o" sound in "PORT," which tends to be slightly longer in British English.

Etymology

The word "supportive" comes from the verb "support," which originated from the Old French suporter, from Latin supportare ('convey, carry, endure'), from sub- ('up') + portare ('carry').

Derivatives

• Supportively (adverb)
• Supportiveness (noun)
• Unsupportive (adjective)
• Support (verb, noun)
• Supporter (noun)

Synonyms

• Encouraging
• Helpful
• Understanding

Antonyms

• Discouraging
• Unhelpful
• Uns supportive

Usage

"Supportive" is often used in various contexts such as relationships, therapy, education, and work environments to describe a conducive and encouraging attitude or environment.

Related Terms

• Assistance
• Encouragement
• Reassurance

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Encouraging: Providing encouragement, comfort, or assurance to others.
• Example: Having a supportive friend during tough times can significantly improve one's mental well-being.

• Helpful: Providing the necessary help or assistance, especially during challenging times.
• Example: The manager was very supportive and provided the resources required to complete the project.

• Understanding: Being understanding, empathetic, or patient, especially during stressful situations.
• Example: The therapist was very supportive and helped the client work through their issues.