Is it 'second' or 'secound'?

The correct spelling is 'second'. 'Secound' is a common misspelling.

What is the difference between 'second' as an adjective and 'secondly' as an adverb?

'Second' is an ordinal adjective (the second door). 'Secondly' is a sequencing adverb used to introduce a second point in discourse (Firstly... Secondly...).

How do you pronounce 'second' (time) vs. 'second' (support)?

They are pronounced identically: /ˈsɛkənd/. There is no pronunciation difference between the noun, adjective, and verb forms in modern English.

Can 'second' mean 'not new'?

Yes, but only in the hyphenated compound adjective 'second-hand' (or 'secondhand'), meaning previously owned or used by someone else.

el segundo

UK/ˈsɛkənd/US/ˈsɛkənd/

Universal across all registers, from scientific to everyday.

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

A unit of time equal to 1/60th of a minute; the ordinal number corresponding to two in position.

An extremely short period of time; an opportunity or a moment; in music, the interval between two adjacent notes; the position after first; supporting or formally endorsing a proposal or motion; a unit of angular measurement.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

As an ordinal number, it primarily indicates position. As a noun of time, it is a fundamental unit. The verb form means to support or formally agree with. The semantic connection is loosely based on sequence or support following a primary item.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant semantic differences. In formal contexts like meetings, 'to second a motion' is identical. Differences may appear in context-specific collocations or pronunciation.

Connotations

Neutral for the ordinal/time unit. The verb can have connotations of formal support or, informally, temporary transfer (e.g., 'seconded to another department').

Frequency

Extremely high and equal frequency for the core meanings (ordinal, time unit). The verb usage is more common in formal/business/administrative contexts in both varieties.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

split secondsecond naturesecond thoughtsecond handsecond opinion

medium

second languagesecond chancesecond floorsecond phasesecond best

weak

second sonsecond draftsecond attemptsecond quartersecond wave

Grammar

Valency Patterns

second somebody (in something)be seconded to/from (an organisation)second a motion/proposal

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

tick (informal, for moment)subsequentendorse

Neutral

momentinstantnextsupportback

Weak

flash (for moment)followingadvocate

Vocabulary

Antonyms

firstprimarymainopposereject

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“in a split second”
“second to none”
“on second thought(s)”
“play second fiddle”
“second wind”
“a close second”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

To formally support a proposal ('I second that motion'). To temporarily transfer an employee ('She was seconded to the Berlin office').

Academic

As a unit of time (s) in science. As an ordinal in sequences ('a second-order effect').

Everyday

Referring to time ('Wait a second!'). Indicating position ('I live on the second floor').

Technical

Unit of time (SI base unit). Unit of angular measurement (arcsecond).

Examples

By Part of Speech

verb

British English

I'd like to second the proposal to adjourn.
She was seconded to the UN for six months.

American English

I second that idea—let's move forward.
He got seconded to the corporate headquarters in Chicago.

Examples

By CEFR Level

I will come back in one second.
My birthday is on the second of May.

Can I have a second piece of cake?
He arrived a split second after me.

On second thought, let's take the earlier train.
She seconded the motion without hesitation.

The findings were of a second-order significance, not primary.
After a brief secondment to the research division, she returned to her team.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a race: the FIRST person wins, the SECOND person comes next. For time, a SECOND is what comes after the FIRST tick of the clock.

Conceptual Metaphor

TIME IS A RESOURCE (don't waste a second). QUALITY IS RANK (second best, second to none). SUPPORT IS PHYSICAL BACKING (to second an idea).

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Do not confuse 'second' (порядковый) with 'секунда' (only the time unit).
The verb 'to second' (поддерживать, официально) is a false friend with 'секондить'.
'Second hand' (поддержка второй рукой) vs. 'second-hand' (б/у) are different.

Common Mistakes

Using 'second of all' (redundant; use 'second' or 'secondly').
Confusing 'second' (adj.) with 'secondly' (adv.) in lists.
Misspelling as 'seccond'.
Mispronouncing as /siːˈkɒnd/ for the ordinal/time unit.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

After a moment's hesitation, she decided to the amendment to the bylaws.

Multiple Choice

In the phrase 'second wind', what does 'second' primarily express?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: The correct spelling is 'second'. 'Secound' is a common misspelling.
: 'Second' is an ordinal adjective (the second door). 'Secondly' is a sequencing adverb used to introduce a second point in discourse (Firstly... Secondly...).
: They are pronounced identically: /ˈsɛkənd/. There is no pronunciation difference between the noun, adjective, and verb forms in modern English.
: Yes, but only in the hyphenated compound adjective 'second-hand' (or 'secondhand'), meaning previously owned or used by someone else.