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support:

to approve of an idea or of a person or organization and help them to be successful

second:

to officially support a proposal made by another person in a meeting

They are like and both can mean "be behind someone".


In StackExchange, I often see someone will comment like I second you/your ... to show their agreements to the answer above.

  • To the case above, can second be replaced by support?

  • What difference between them?

  • When should I prefer one over another?

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  • "second" usually refers to approval in voting situations, though it can be used informally for "agreement".
    – user3169
    Jun 4, 2018 at 2:15
  • @user3169 Valuable information! Thx.
    – Chen Li
    Jun 4, 2018 at 3:26

1 Answer 1

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In your example about StackExchange, second can be replaced with support

Generally, second is more formal and support has a more broad meaning. Support can also be used for describing physical situations

"The beam supports the building, so it doesn't collapse"

"I will support your running for president"

Second is used while speaking formally, think business meetings and trials

"I second the motion"

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