Support (What does it mean)?

Definition of SUPPORT

transitive verb

1

: to endure bravely or quietly : bear

2

a (1) : to promote the interests or cause of (2) : to uphold or defend as valid or right : advocate <supports fair play> (3) : to argue or vote for <supported the motion to lower taxes> b (1) : assist, help <bombers supported the ground troops> (2) : to act with (a star actor) (3) : to bid in bridge so as to show support for c : to provide with substantiation : corroborate <support an alibi>

3

a : to pay the costs of : maintain <support a family> b : to provide a basis for the existence or subsistence of <the island could probably support three — A. B. C. Whipple> <support a habit>

4

a : to hold up or serve as a foundation or prop for b : to maintain (a price) at a desired level by purchases or loans; also : to maintain the price of by purchases or loans

5

: to keep from fainting, yielding, or losing courage : comfort

6

: to keep (something) going

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/support

So the above are various definitions of the word support.

Context is an interesting beast.  My son or daughter will often ask me questions regarding a word they may have on their spelling homework to which I reply use it in a sentence so I can get context.

For instance, the word their or there or they're.  At least those words have different spellings to distinguish their differences visually.  When people speak they're more likely to get lucky and use the right word because it can't be seen.  But when there needs to be a specific word used in a sentence to convey a thought or feeling the mistake of using the incorrect word is more prevalent and much more obvious when you have to write it out.

What about the spelling and use of the word Support?
The spelling of the word is always the same.  That should make the use of the word a little easier...you'd think and everyone who uses the word probably means well.

I been wrestling with this word now for years, not because I don't know what it means but because other people use it incorrectly in my humble opinion.  For instance:

If your going to buy an item that claims to "support" are particular body part make sure it actually does.

Make sure your kids understand that "support" mean that you as a part provide the three necessities of life:  food, clothing, and shelter.  Everything else is a bonus.

If you're going to "support" someones efforts/decisions (whatever they may be) then be understanding of what supporting that effort means.  Whether it's going back to school, learning to knit, reading a chapter a night in your favorite book, if one cooks, the other cleans, and I'm sure the list can continue on indefinitely.