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Definition of supportive

supportive

/səˈpɔːrtɪv/
sup · port · ive
Adverb:supportively
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supportive Lexical Profile

supportive Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Providing encouragement, sympathy, or emotional help to someone.

Example

"Her family remained supportive throughout her difficult career transition."

2

Providing physical or structural reinforcement to hold something up or prevent strain.

Example

"The physical therapist recommended wearing supportive footwear during long walks."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for supportive

• Rhymes for supportive

• Nearby Words

supportable
supporter
supporting
supportive
supportively
supportiveness
supposably

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in late 16th-century English from the verb 'support'—which derives from the Latin 'supportare' (meaning 'to carry or bring up from below')—combined with the adjective-forming suffix '-ive'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Supportive. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/supportive
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