supportive

[suh-pawr-tiv, -pohr-]

adjective

1. giving support.

2. providing sympathy or encouragement.

   His family was supportive of his attempts to be a writer.

3. providing additional help, information, etc.; auxiliary.

   manufacturers of supportive materials.

4. Medicine/Medical.,  helping to maintain a normal physiological balance, as by the intravenous administration of required nutriment.

Other Word Forms

• supportiveness noun
• nonsupportive adjective
• unsupportive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of supportive¹

First recorded in 1585–95; support + -ive

Example Sentences

But this wasn’t like Dr. Wong’s clinical look — this was supportive, generous.

Read more on Salon

Rupert Goold, artistic director of the Almeida Theatre, described Sir Tom as the "most supportive, most generous man" whose "magic was present in everything he wrote".

Read more on BBC

“We will continue to stand firmly with our immigrant communities and protect every student’s right to a welcoming, stable and supportive education.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“For a low-income, first-generation student, a private institution that meets full need without loans is often the most affordable and most supportive option available,” Rosales said in an email.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

She said her parents had been "so supportive" when she was growing up and she has tried to pass on that love to others within her community who didn't receive the same care.

Read more on BBC