FluencyCraft

seconds

"Seconds" is a surprisingly versatile word with about four common meanings. It can refer to units of time, a second helping of food, the act of supporting someone's idea, or items sold at a discount because of minor flaws. Here are the most useful senses.

1noununits of time

A second is a very short unit of time — there are 60 seconds in one minute. 'Seconds' is simply the plural. Think of it as the smallest unit you see on a clock or stopwatch.

everyday language, science · Modern, widely used

The race was over in just 45 seconds.

Please wait a few seconds while the page loads.

It takes only 30 seconds to boil water in that microwave.

2nouna second helping of food

When you finish your plate and want more of the same food, that extra portion is called 'seconds'. It is a very common, informal way to say you are eating the dish again.

everyday language, food · Modern, widely used

The pasta was so delicious that everyone asked for seconds.

There is plenty of rice left — feel free to have seconds!

He was embarrassed to ask for seconds, but the soup was too good to resist.

3verbto formally support an idea or motion

In a meeting or formal discussion, when someone proposes an idea, another person can 'second' it — meaning they officially agree and support it so the group can vote on it. 'Seconds' is the third-person singular form of this verb.

business, formal meetings, politics · Formal, widely used in official contexts

Maria proposes the new schedule, and John seconds the motion.

The chairperson asks if anyone seconds the proposal before the vote.

He seconds every idea she suggests because he trusts her judgment.

4nounitems with minor defects sold cheaply

In shopping, 'seconds' refers to products — often clothes, dishes, or factory goods — that have small imperfections and are sold at a lower price. They are not perfect, but they still work fine.

retail, shopping · Modern, widely used

She bought a beautiful coat at half price because it was a second — there was a tiny mark on the sleeve.

The factory outlet sells seconds at a big discount.

These plates are seconds, but you can barely see the flaw.

Content generated by AI — may contain inaccuracies