supporting
UK: səˈpɔːtɪŋ | US: səˈpɔːrtɪŋ
adj. providing assistance or encouragement
adj. serving to hold something up
n. the act of helping or sustaining
The word "supporting" derives from the verb "support," which entered Middle English via Old French "supporter," from Latin "supportare" (sub<under> + portare<carry>). The "-ing" suffix transforms it into an adjective or noun, indicating ongoing action or state. The core idea of "carrying from below" persists in modern meanings of assistance or structural reinforcement.
The supporting beams prevented the roof from collapsing.
She played a supporting role in the award-winning film.
His research provides supporting evidence for the theory.
The charity relies on supporting donations from the community.
The teacher gave a supporting nod to encourage the shy student.