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seconder

to assist, support

verb suh-kohn-DEH Rare
People & Society Work

Origin: From Latin 'secundare' (to follow, to favour).

Usage Note

Seconder means to second or assist someone in a role, typically implying a formal or professional relationship (seconder le directeur — to assist the director). It is a false friend: it does NOT mean 'to second' as in timing (that is chronométrer) or to second a motion in a meeting (that is appuyer une motion). The agent noun is second (masculine) or seconde (feminine), meaning deputy or second-in-command.

Examples

"Elle seconde le chef de projet dans ses tâches."

Natural Translation

She assists the project manager with his tasks.

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