French Conversation · Level 82
60 words
French word
seconder
Pronunciation
IPA/səgɔ̃de/
Meaning
- verbhelp
Example
Le vice-président seconde le président.
The vice president helps the president.
More examples
Elle seconde son collègue pour préparer la présentation.
She assists her colleague in preparing the presentation.
Core concept
A trusted second-in-command works at a leader's side so the leader can carry out a demanding role smoothly.
Common phrases
seconder quelqu'un
assist someone
seconder un collègue
assist a colleague
Similar words
aider: Help a person in difficulty or with a task by easing the workload.
assister: Give hands-on help that keeps a task or procedure moving forward.
soutenir: Support an opinion or position by lending strength to it.
appuyer: Back a proposal or request and help bring it to fruition.
Definition in French
Apporter un soutien pratique ou officiel à quelqu'un dans l'exercice de ses fonctions, en agissant comme son second.
Word origin
The verb comes from French second, meaning second or assistant, by adding the productive verb-forming ending -er; second derives from Latin secundus.
Usage tips
- Seconder takes a person as a direct object, as in seconder le président, rather than requiring a preposition before that person.