Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Held up or having the weight borne, especially from below: Describes something that is physically propped up or carries its load with the help of a structure beneath it.
   • Sustained or maintained by aid (as distinct from physical support): Describes something that is upheld, backed, or kept in existence by non-physical assistance, such as financial help, evidence, or approval.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • The bridge is supported by massive concrete pillars. (Its weight is borne from below.)
  • The theory is supported by extensive data from recent experiments. (It is upheld by evidence.)
  • The charity is supported entirely by private donations. (It is maintained by financial aid.)

Advanced Usage

• "well-supported": Strongly upheld or backed by substantial evidence, facts, or resources.
  • The researcher presented a well-supported argument that changed many minds.
• "fully supported": Completely backed or financed, leaving no need for additional aid.
  • The expedition was fully supported by the university's science department.

Variants and Related Words

• Support (verb/noun): To bear the weight of; to uphold; to provide for; the act of supporting or a means of support.
  • The columns support the roof. / We need your support.
• Supportive (adjective): Providing encouragement or emotional help.
  • She has a very supportive family.
• Supportable (adjective): Able to be endured or tolerated.
  • The pain was barely supportable.

Synonyms

• Propped up: Held in position by something placed underneath.
• Upheld: Maintained or confirmed, especially in a legal or moral context.
• Backed: Provided with financial, moral, or political support.
• Sustained: Kept in existence or maintained over time.

Related Phrases

• Supported living: A system of care and assistance that allows individuals, often with disabilities, to live as independently as possible.
  • He moved into a supported living apartment.
• Mutually supported: Describes a situation where two or more parties provide support to each other.
  • The two theories are mutually supported by the same set of observations.

Related Idioms

• To lend support to: To provide assistance or backing to something.
  • The new findings lend support to the original hypothesis.
• In support of: For the purpose of supporting or backing.
  • She spoke in support of the proposed policy.

Adjective

1. held up or having the weight borne especially from below
   • supported joints in a railroad track have ties directly under the rail ends
2. sustained or maintained by aid (as distinct from physical support)
   • a club entirely supported by membership dues
   • well-supported allegations