Definition

1. Noun:

   • A unit of time: A second is 1/60 of a minute, the base unit of time in the International System of Units (SI).
   • A very short period of time: An indefinitely short moment; an instant.
   • The position following first: The person or thing that comes after the first in an ordering, series, or competition.
   • An assistant or supporter: An official attendant who assists a contestant in a duel or boxing match.
   • Formal support for a proposal: An expression of formal support for a motion in a meeting, allowing it to be discussed or voted on.
   • A gear in a vehicle: The second-lowest forward gear ratio in a manual transmission.
   • A unit of angular measurement: A 60th part of a minute of arc.

2. Adjective:

   • Coming next after first: Immediately following the first in position, time, order, or importance.
   • Additional or alternative: Another of the same kind; supplementary.
   • Inferior in rank or quality: Subordinate; of lower pitch (in music) or of lesser quality (merchandise).

3. Verb:

   • To formally support: To express formal support for a proposal or motion in a deliberative assembly.
   • To transfer temporarily: To transfer an employee to a different, temporary assignment or duty.

4. Adverb:

   • In second place: After the first in order or rank.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Unit of time):
  • There are 60 seconds in a minute.
  • He finished the race in just under ten seconds.
• Noun (Position):
  • She finished in second place.
  • He was the second to arrive at the meeting.
• Noun (Formal support):
  • The motion needs a second before we can debate it.
  • Do I hear a second for this proposal?
• Adjective:
  • This is my second cup of coffee today.
  • We live on the second floor.
  • She plays second violin in the orchestra.
• Verb (To support):
  • I second the motion to adjourn the meeting.
  • Will anyone second this proposal?
• Verb (To transfer):
  • The manager was seconded to the London office for six months.
• Adverb:
  • First, we need to gather data. Second, we must analyze it.

Advanced Usage

• "second to none": The best; inferior to no other.
  • Her dedication to her work is second to none.
• "in the second place": Used to introduce a second point in an argument or list.
  • I don't want to go. In the second place, I have no money, and in the first place, I have no time.
• "second thought": A reconsideration of a decision or opinion.
  • On second thought, I will have the soup instead of the salad.

Variants and Related Words

• Secondly (adv): Used to introduce a second point or reason (often in formal lists).
  • Firstly, it's too expensive. Secondly, we don't need it.
• Secondary (adj): Of less importance than something primary; coming after something first or primary.
  • His age is a secondary consideration; his experience is what matters.
• Second-hand (adj/adv): Previously owned by someone else; not from the original source.
  • He bought a second-hand car. / I heard the news second-hand.

Synonyms

• Noun (moment): Instant, moment, jiffy.
• Noun (assistant): Attendant, aide, supporter.
• Adjective (next): Following, subsequent, next in line.
• Verb (support): Back, endorse, support.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Second to (v): To temporarily assign an employee to another role or department.
  • She was seconded to the marketing team for the project.

Related Idioms

• "play second fiddle": To be in a subordinate position to someone else.
  • He tired of playing second fiddle to his more famous partner.
• "have second thoughts": To begin to doubt a decision you have made.
  • I'm starting to have second thoughts about accepting the job.
• "in a split second": In an extremely short period of time; instantly.
  • He made the decision in a split second.

Noun

1. merchandise that has imperfections; usually sold at a reduced price without the brand name
2. the gear that has the second lowest forward gear ratio in the gear box of a motor vehicle
   • he had to shift down into second to make the hill
3. a speech seconding a motion
   • do I hear a second?
4. the official attendant of a contestant in a duel or boxing match
5. a 60th part of a minute of arc
   • the treasure is 2 minutes and 45 seconds south of here
6. following the first in an ordering or series
   • he came in a close second
7. a particular point in time
   • the moment he arrived the party began
8. the fielding position of the player on a baseball team who is stationed near the second of the bases in the infield
9. an indefinitely short time
   • wait just a moment
   • in a mo
   • it only takes a minute
   • in just a bit
10. 1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

Adjective

1. a part or voice or instrument or orchestra section lower in pitch than or subordinate to the first
   • second flute
   • the second violins
2. coming next after the first in position in space or time or degree or magnitude

Verb

1. transfer an employee to a different, temporary assignment
   • The officer was seconded for duty overseas
2. give support or one's approval to
   • I'll second that motion
   • I can't back this plan
   • endorse a new project

Adverb

1. in the second place
   • second, we must consider the economy