This is the 11798th most frequent French word.
soutenait
"Soutenait" means "was supporting" or "was holding up."
The verb 'soutenait' is used in the first person singular imperfect tense to express habitual past actions of providing support.
Il soutenait toujours ses amis dans les moments difficiles.
He always supported his friends in difficult times.
Here 'soutenait' in third person singular imperfect tense indicates a past stance or endorsement of a concept.
Elle soutenait l'idée de réformer le système éducatif.
She supported the idea of reforming the educational system.
In this case, 'soutenait' refers to the physical act of holding up or bearing weight, demonstrating its literal application.