What does "second" mean in English?

"Second" is a common word in English that has multiple meanings. It can be used as an adjective, noun, or verb. Let"s explore its different meanings and pronunciations.

As an adjective

When used as an adjective, "second" can mean coming after the first in a series or ranking. For example, "She won the second prize in the competition." Here, "second" is pronounced as /?s?k?nd/.

As a noun

As a noun, "second" can refer to a unit of time, equal to 1/60th of a minute. In this context, it is pronounced as /s?k?nd/. Additionally, "second" can mean the position in a sequence, as in "He finished in second place." Here, "second" is pronounced as /?s?k?nd/.

As a verb

In verb form, "second" means to support or endorse someone or something. For example, "I second your proposal." Pronounced as /s??kɑnd/, it indicates agreement or approval of an idea or action.

Other meanings and usage

Aside from its primary definitions, "second" has various other uses. It can refer to the smaller hand on a clock, used to count the seconds. Additionally, "second" can mean giving someone a second chance or attempting something for the second time. In these cases, its pronunciation remains the same as in previous examples.

In summary

"Second" is a versatile word in English, serving as an adjective, noun, and verb. Its pronunciation varies depending on its usage, with /?s?k?nd/ commonly used for its adjectival and noun forms, and /s??kɑnd/ for its verbal form. Its meanings range from following the first in a series to supporting an idea or giving a second chance. So, next time you encounter the word "second," pay attention to the context to fully understand its intended meaning.