easy
The light flashed for one second.
What does Second mean?
A second is a short unit of time, the place after first, or an act of supporting a proposal.
Dictionary definition
A second is the SI base unit of time and one sixtieth of a minute; informally, it can mean a very short moment. Second also means number two or next after first in order, rank, choice, or time. As an adverb, it introduces the next point. As a verb, second means support a person, idea, nomination, or formal motion so it can be considered.
Example sentences
Second in a sentence
easy
Noah stood second in line.
medium
This is my second choice for the class project.
medium
First, gather evidence; second, compare the results.
hard
A committee member seconded the motion so the group could discuss it.
hard
Precise scientific measurements use the SI definition of the second.
Writing practice
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Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Second
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
How long is one standard second?
There are 60 seconds in one minute; second is the SI base unit of time.
Practice 2
What does second mean in “I second the motion” ?
In meetings, to second a motion is to support considering or discussing it.
Practice 3
Which sentence uses second as an adverb?
Here, second introduces the next point in an ordered explanation.
Practice complete
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Pronunciation coach
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Second
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Sounds like
sek · und · strongest beat: sek
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordSecond.
Partnoun, adjective, adverb, verb.
MeaningSecond means A second is a short unit of time, the place after first, or an act of supporting a proposal.
ExampleExample: The light flashed for one second.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- sek · und
- Strongest beat
- sek
- Ending
- und
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on sek.
Your turn
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Synonyms
Words like Second
momentClose when second informally means a very short period.
nextClose for the adjective sense meaning immediately after first in order or time.
runner-upClose for the noun meaning the person or entry finishing after first in a contest.
supportClose for the verb meaning formally back a motion, nomination, or proposal.
Antonyms
Opposite words
firstA direct contrast for second in order, rank, or choice.
opposeA direct opposite for the verb second when it means support a motion or proposal.
Synonym practice
Want to practice second synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "Nora picked the second card from the pile," then compare close word choices. Practice second synonyms.
Word family
Second word family
Base word
second
noun
seconds
More than one time unit, another serving of food, or lower-quality items in specialized uses.
verb
seconded
Supported a proposal or formally allowed a motion to proceed to discussion.
verb
seconding
Giving formal or active support.
noun
seconder
A person who formally supports a motion or nomination.
adverb
secondly
Used to introduce the second point in a sequence.
Related words
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Student support
Understand Second
Hint for students
Look for a time unit, number-two position, the next point in a list, or formal support for an idea.
Common mix-up
First is an opposite only when second refers to order or rank. It is not the opposite of the time unit. In a meeting, second is a verb meaning support, not delay.
Try it in class or at home
Students sort eight examples into time, order, rank, adverb, and support. They then stage a short meeting to propose and second a kid-safe classroom motion.
Teacher prompt
Compare “wait a second,” “the second runner,” “second, check your work,” and “second the motion.” Identify the part of speech and meaning in each.
Word Wheels
Practice Second with a Word Wheel
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1 of 2
Word Wheel
Practice with the Time & Calendar Words Wheel
Spin this researched Time & Calendar wheel to connect units, parts of the day, calendars, schedules, and words for past, present, and future time.
Word Wheel
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This word is part of WordHive's researched School Words collection. Spin the complete wheel to review meanings, discuss classroom connections, and practice using school vocabulary in sentences.
Learning activities
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