WordGarden.iosecond
A1Pronunciation
UK
US
- /ˈsɛkənd/
Meanings
Adjective
coming after the first in order, position, or rank
Noun
a unit of time equal to one sixtieth of a minute
the person, thing, or place that comes after the first in a series or ranking
Adverb
in the second position or as the second item in a sequence
Verb
to formally support a proposal so it can be discussed or voted on
Beyond the definition
We all know "second" as a unit of time: sixty seconds make a minute. But the word is also very flexible. It often means number two in order, place, or rank, like finishing second in a race or living on the second floor. It can also mean another one, as in a second helping of dessert. In some cases, it refers to a person who helps or supports someone else, such as a second-in-command. In the old practice of dueling, a second was the person who assisted one of the fighters.
The word comes from an old Latin root meaning "following." That idea still shows up in many uses. A second opinion is another view after the first one. If something is called second-rate, it is seen as below the best quality. The word can also describe some cuts of meat that come after the top choice.
The word "second" has a wide range of meanings, but most of them connect to the idea of coming after the first. Most commonly, we use it as a unit of time: 1/60th of a minute and 1/3,600th of an hour. We measure short moments in seconds, whether we are timing a race, waiting for a message, or counting down to something exciting.
Just as often, "second" describes position in a sequence, rank, or place. Someone can come second in a competition, sit in the second row, or be the second child in a family. In these cases, the word simply marks number two in an order.
The word can also refer to another instance of something. You might ask for a second cup of coffee, make a second attempt, or get a second chance. Here, it means one more after the first.
As a noun, "second" can mean a person who supports another person. A second-in-command helps the leader. In the old custom of dueling, a second helped arrange matters for one of the people involved. As a verb, "to second" means to show support for an idea or proposal, especially in a formal meeting.
The word also appears in expressions about value or judgment. A second opinion is another expert view after the first. If something is called second-rate, it is judged as not being of the best quality. In some food contexts, second can describe a cut or grade that comes after the top one.
So whether you are counting time, naming number two in a line, asking for another helping, backing someone up, or giving support to a motion, "second" is a word about order, repetition, and support.
Examples
- 1
Location
She lives on the second floor.
- 2
Repeated event
This is the second time I’ve called today.
- 3
Race result
He finished second in the race.
- 4
Time unit
The video is only thirty seconds long.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Short wait
Could you wait a second while I find my keys?
- Phrasea second
a very short time in everyday speech
- 6
Polite delay
Just a second, I’m almost ready.
- Phrasejust a second
please wait a moment
- 7
Language learning
English is her second language.
- 8
Work schedule
She works the second shift at the hospital.
- Phrasesecond shift
the work period later in the day or evening
- 9
Changed mind
I had second thoughts after I sent the email.
- Phrasesecond thoughts
doubts after you have already decided
- 10
Highest quality
His cooking skills are second to none.
- Phrasesecond to none
as good as the best
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- subsequent
- runner-up
Contrast
- first
- third
Do not confuse
- second as a time unit
Used with (collocations)
- second place
- second choice
- second time
Explore
- ordinal number
- ranking
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- secondnounverbadjective
Forms
- secondspluralnounverbadjective
- secondedpast tenseverbnounadjective
- seconding-ing formverbnounadjective