supportive
Definitions
Providing encouragement, help, or emotional sympathy.
给予支持的；支持性的（情感、鼓励层面）
Bearing weight or providing structural support.
支撑性的；起承重作用的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedsupport + -ive (forming adjectives that describe a quality or tendency) = 'tending to support.' The adjective most often describes emotional/interpersonal support rather than the physical sense, even though support itself spans both.
Usage Guide
- be supportive of (most common pattern): 'She was very supportive of my decision' — endorsement or emotional backing
- emotionally supportive / a supportive partner — interpersonal
- physical sense (rarer): 'a supportive bra,' 'supportive shoes' — structural
- Adverb form 'supportively' is occasional; comparative 'more supportive' rather than '*supportiver'
Example Sentences
- 1.
My family has always been supportive of my career choices.
- 2.
A supportive boss makes a huge difference at work.
- 3.
These running shoes have a very supportive sole.
Easily Confused
supportive vs encouraging — 'Supportive' emphasizes presence and backing: being there, providing emotional space, accepting decisions. 'Encouraging' emphasizes active push: motivating someone to act or persist. A supportive parent accepts your choices; an encouraging parent urges you to try.