How to pronounce support
Say it like suh-PORT. Support has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PORT).
- suh
- PORT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Support pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- suhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- PORTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
American vs British pronunciation of support
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: suh-PAWT.
What does support mean?
- To help keep from falling.“Don’t move that beam! It supports the whole platform.”
- To back or favor a cause, party, etc., mentally or with concrete aid“I support France in the World Cup.”
- To provide sustenance or maintenance for; to sustain in integrity or livelihood.“Mars does not currently support human habitation.”
- Something which supports.“Don't move that beam! It's a support for the whole platform.”
- Financial or other help.“The government provides support to the arts in several ways.”
- Answers to questions and resolution of problems regarding something sold.“Sure they sell the product, but do they provide support?”
Where does support come from?
From Middle English supporten, from Old French supporter, from Latin supportō.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with support
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of support.
Questions about saying support
How do you pronounce support?
Say suh-PORT. The American pronunciation is /səˈpɔrt/. In British English it is /səˈpɔːt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in support?
Support has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PORT). Broken into parts: suh · PORT.
Is support pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /səˈpɔːt/ (suh-PAWT).