That sustains someone or something; that provides sustenance or support. Also: that produces a sustained action (only in sustaining battery n. at…

That supports or sustains; strengthening; giving emphasis. Obsolete.

Affording support or assistance. Now rare.

Supporting, sustaining.

(a) That provides strength by assistance, belief, or tolerance; providing sustenance or resources; sustaining; (b) that provides evidence or…

That provides support, supportive.

In general use: that is supportive to something; that is additional to. Obsolete. rare.

figurative. The action or an act of supporting or strengthening something in the manner of a buttress; the corroboration of a belief, theory, etc…

= supportive, adj.

(< uphold, v.)

Offering sustenance or support; sustaining.

That provides close support or guidance, esp. through a learning process or period of change.