second

Definitions

From Latin secundus, 'the one following' the first — built on sequī. That single idea threads through all its senses: second = the position following first; a second = the time-division following the first (the minute); to second a motion = to follow it with your support.

Why It Means This

Surprising that the everyday word 'second' belongs to the sequ family — but secundus literally meant 'following.' The time unit comes from medieval Latin pars minuta secunda, 'the second small part' of an hour after the minute. And the parliamentary 'I second that' means 'I follow your proposal with my support.' One root quietly hiding in plain sight.

Common Collocations

• 1.a split second一瞬间
• 2.second to none首屈一指（无人能及）
• 3.second in command副手，二把手
• 4.second the motion附议动议

Example Sentences

• 1.

  She finished second in the race.

• 2.

  Wait a second — I'll be right there.

• 3.

  I'd like to second the motion.