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Meaning & use

second

adjective, noun, verb·Everyday

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UK/ˈsekənd/
US/ˈsekənd/

Meanings

  1. adjectivebefore a noun

    Coming immediately after the first in order, position, or importance.

    Grammar: Used before a noun: the second chapter, the second time.

    Patterns

    • the second + noun
    • second place
    • second best

    She finished in second place in the race.

    This is the second time I've called you today.

    He lives on the second floor of the building.

  2. nouncountable

    A unit of time equal to one sixtieth of a minute.

    Grammar: Countable; often used with numbers: ten seconds, a few seconds.

    Patterns

    • a few seconds
    • in seconds
    • for a second

    Wait a second, I'll be right there.

    The race was decided by just three seconds.

    The light flashed every five seconds.

  3. verbtransitive

    To formally support a motion or proposal so that it can be discussed or voted on.

    Grammar: Takes an object: second a motion.

    Patterns

    • second a motion
    • second a proposal

    I second the motion to adjourn the meeting.

    Will anyone second my proposal?

  4. adjectivebefore a noun

    Another; an additional one.

    Grammar: Used before a noun: a second chance, a second opinion.

    Patterns

    • a second + noun
    • a second chance
    • a second opinion

    He asked for a second chance to prove himself.

    She sought a second opinion from another doctor.

Word forms

third person singularseconds
past tenseseconded
past participleseconded
-ing formseconding
pluralseconds

Common combinations

second place
She won second place in the competition.
second chance
Everyone deserves a second chance.
second opinion
Before surgery, he wanted a second opinion.
second floor
The office is on the second floor.
second to none
Her dedication is second to none.

Synonyms and how they differ

additional
Additional means extra, but second often implies a replacement or a further opportunity (a second chance).
moment
Moment is a very short period of time, similar to second in the sense of a brief time, but second is a precise unit of time.

Opposites

first

Word family

secondly adverb
Used to introduce a second point.
secondary adjective
Less important or coming after the primary.

Commonly confused: second or secondly?

second vs secondly

Secondly is an adverb used to list points; second is an adjective or noun. Don't use second to introduce a second point in a list.

Practice

Choose the correct word: The chairperson asked, 'Do I hear a ___ to the motion?'

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