support group: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Predominantly neutral/formal; common in healthcare, psychology, and social contexts.
Quick answer
What does “support group” mean?
A group of people who meet regularly to share their experiences and emotions, offering each other practical help and emotional encouragement, typically because they are facing the same problem or condition.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A group of people who meet regularly to share their experiences and emotions, offering each other practical help and emotional encouragement, typically because they are facing the same problem or condition.
Any group of individuals bound by a common challenge or goal who provide mutual aid. Can also refer more broadly to a community or network that offers backing to its members, or in a business context, a technical team providing assistance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The concept and term are identical. Minor potential differences in the types of groups commonly referenced (e.g., specific health service affiliated groups).
Connotations
Identical connotations of peer-based, empathetic community.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “support group” in a Sentence
[Verb] a support group (for N)a support group [for/of N]a support group [that-clause]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could refer to an internal team providing technical or administrative help (e.g., 'IT support group').
Academic
Used in sociological, psychological, and medical research papers to describe a specific intervention or social phenomenon.
Everyday
Very common in contexts of health, addiction, parenting, and personal challenges.
Technical
Specific in clinical psychology, social work, and healthcare as a recognised modality of care.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “support group”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “support group”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “support group”
- Using 'support group' to refer to a professional therapeutic team (e.g., a multidisciplinary clinical team).
- Confusing 'support group' (noun) with 'to support a group' (verb phrase).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Group therapy is typically led by a trained therapist focusing on psychological treatment. A support group is usually peer-led, focusing on sharing experiences and mutual encouragement, though it may have a professional facilitator.
No. Many support groups now operate online via forums, video calls, or social media, making them accessible to a wider population.
Most community-based support groups are free or ask for a small donation. Some professionally facilitated groups may charge a fee.
Members of a support group share a specific, common experience, which can reduce feelings of isolation and provide practical advice that even well-meaning friends without that experience cannot.
A group of people who meet regularly to share their experiences and emotions, offering each other practical help and emotional encouragement, typically because they are facing the same problem or condition.
Support group is usually predominantly neutral/formal; common in healthcare, psychology, and social contexts. in register.
Support group: in British English it is pronounced /səˈpɔːt ɡruːp/, and in American English it is pronounced /səˈpɔːrt ɡruːp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SUPPORT GROUP: People who STAND UNDER and PROP UP (support) a GROUP going through the same storm.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A BURDEN / PROBLEM IS A WEIGHT; A SUPPORT GROUP IS A SCAFFOLDING / PILLAR.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a 'support group' in a healthcare context?