στηρίζω versus υποστηρίζω

Question

Both terms seem to mean "support".  Is there a difference in how/when they are used?  Thank you!

Answer 1

Hello

In most cases you can use στηρίζω and υποστηρίζω interchangeably.  However the “υπο” prefix in "υπο-στηρίζω" gives a meaning of “little”.   So “στηρίζω” means that I support, while "υποστηρίζω" means I do support, but to a lesser extent. 

Example:
Υποστηρίζω την ομάδα μου, θέλω να νικήσει στον αγώνα = I support my team, I want her to win the game.
Στηρίζω την ομάδα, έχω δωρίσει 300.000 ευρώ για να χτιστεί ένα στάδιο = I support the team, I have donated 100.000 euros to build a new stadium.