支える

In a sentence

• 私は友人の感情を支えるために話を聞きました。

  I listened to support my friend's feelings.

  Here, '支える' is used in the sense of providing emotional or moral support to someone.

• この橋は頑丈な柱で支えられています。

  This bridge is supported by sturdy pillars.

  In this sentence, '支える' describes a physical action, specifically the provision of structural support.

• 学問を支える基本は努力です。

  The foundation that supports academic studies is effort.

  Here, '支える' metaphorically refers to something fundamental that upholds or maintains a concept or endeavor.