second
second — verb
- secondpresent simple I / you / we / they
- seconds3rd person singular
- seconding-ing form
- secondedpast simple
1. to officially express agreement with another person's proposal or suggestion dur
to officially express agreement with another person's proposal or suggestion during a formal meeting, so that the idea can then be discussed or put to a vote
Asher seconded the motion to increase the library's opening hours.
second + motion
The chairperson asked whether anyone would second the nomination for treasurer.
Before the proposal went to a vote, a board member had to second it.
passive infinitive: be seconded
Hamza seconded his colleague's suggestion during the monthly committee meeting.
second + suggestion + meeting context
Anyone who wishes to second the plan should raise their hand now.
- second a motion
- second a proposal
- second a nomination
- second a suggestion
Grammar Patterns
second + noun phrase (motion / proposal / nomination)
be seconded (passive)
Usage Note
In formal meetings, a motion or nomination must be seconded before a vote can take place. Often used in passive constructions: 'The proposal was seconded by the finance director.'
Common Mistakes
2. to send or assign a worker to a different role, team, or location for a limited
to send or assign a worker to a different role, team, or location for a limited period of time, often to cover a staffing need or to share skills and experience
The company seconded Yuna from the sales team to the marketing department for three months.
second + from + to + duration
Nora was seconded to the Tokyo branch to help set up the new office.
passive: be seconded to + place + purpose
Engineers are sometimes seconded to overseas projects when extra help is needed.
The hospital decided to second two nurses to the rural clinic during the winter months.
During the merger, several accountants were seconded from the head office to the new division.
passive: be seconded from + to + during
- seconded to a department
- seconded from a team
- seconded for a project
- seconded to an office
- assign
more general; can be temporary or permanent, and less formal
- transfer
can be temporary or permanent; more common in US English
- loan (out)
British English; slightly informal, often used in professional services
Grammar Patterns
second + noun + to/from + noun
be seconded to + place/department
Usage Note
Common in British and Commonwealth business English. The American equivalent is usually 'loan' or 'temporarily assign.' Frequently used in the passive voice. The period of secondment is always temporary.
Common Mistakes
second — noun
- secondsingular
- secondsplural
1. one of the sixty equal parts that make up a minute — the standard length of time
one of the sixty equal parts that make up a minute — the standard length of time for measuring short periods in science and daily life
The race ended with a difference of only three seconds between the two runners.
countable noun with number + seconds
A microwave can heat a bowl of soup in about sixty seconds.
Élise checked her watch every few seconds during the exam.
every few seconds — frequency pattern
The timer on the oven counts down the remaining seconds with a loud beep.
Each second of the song was recorded with care in the studio.
each second of + noun
- seconds pass
- every few seconds
- seconds tick by
- within seconds
Grammar Patterns
second + of + noun
2. a very brief period of time, used in everyday speech to ask someone to wait, or
a very brief period of time, used in everyday speech to ask someone to wait, or to say that something happens almost immediately
Wait a second — I think I left my keys on the kitchen table.
idiomatic: wait a second — ask someone to pause briefly
Dario paused for a second before answering the difficult question.
Could you hold that door open for just a second?
The traffic light changed from green to red in a second.
in a second — very quickly
Tomás promised to be ready in a second, but we waited five minutes.
- just a second
- wait a second
- in a second
- for a second
Grammar Patterns
a second
just a second
wait a second
in a second
Usage Note
Often interchangeable with 'moment' in phrases like 'wait a second/moment'. In informal speech, 'second' feels slightly shorter and more urgent than 'moment'.
Common Mistakes
3. at the exact moment when something happens; immediately after — used to connect
at the exact moment when something happens; immediately after — used to connect two actions that happen one right after the other
The second the alarm went off, Tanvi jumped out of bed.
the second + clause — conjunction pattern
I called my mother the second I heard the good news.
The children ran outside the second the bell rang at the end of class.
Mert started feeling better the second he took the medicine.
the second + subject + past tense verb
- the second that
- the second I/he/she/they
- as soon as
more common and neutral; 'the second' adds emphasis on immediacy
- the moment
similar structure and meaning
- immediately
adverb, not conjunction; requires different sentence structure
Grammar Patterns
the second (that) + clause
the second + subject + verb
Usage Note
The word 'that' can sometimes be dropped after 'the second' in informal English (e.g. 'the second I saw him' = 'the second that I saw him'). This sense functions as a conjunction, not a noun.
Common Mistakes
4. someone or something that comes right after the person or item at position numbe
someone or something that comes right after the person or item at position number one, whether in a list, contest, or ordered group
Amani was the second to finish the math test, just behind Felix.
the second to + infinitive — order pattern
The second of the three books in the series is my favourite.
Christopher finished in second place in the swimming competition.
Manuela always buys the second of everything because she thinks it is cheaper.
The bus shelter was the second thing they saw after leaving the station.
the second thing/person — noun modifier
- the second to
- in second place
- second of
Grammar Patterns
the second + to-infinitive
be the second
in second place
Usage Note
When used with an infinitive ('the second to arrive'), the reference is to a person. When used with 'of' ('the second of the month'), the reference is to a date or position in a sequence.
5. an additional serving of food taken after finishing the first helping, usually a
an additional serving of food taken after finishing the first helping, usually at a shared meal
The roast chicken was so good that everyone asked for seconds.
ask for seconds — typical collocation
Talia went back to the kitchen to get seconds of the chocolate cake.
Wei offered seconds to all the hungry guests at the dinner party.
There is plenty of rice left if anyone wants seconds.
want seconds — polite offer pattern
- have seconds
- go for seconds
- ask for seconds
- offer seconds
- second helping
the full, more formal version of the same meaning
- extra serving
more formal and less common in casual conversation
Grammar Patterns
have seconds
go for seconds
ask for seconds
Usage Note
Almost always used in the plural form ('seconds') even when referring to a single additional serving. 'Second helping' is the singular form and is slightly more formal.
Common Mistakes
6. one-sixtieth of an angular minute, used in geometry and astronomy to indicate ex
one-sixtieth of an angular minute, used in geometry and astronomy to indicate exact angles on a map or in the sky
The map shows the village at a position of a few seconds of longitude.
seconds of longitude — geographic use
Christopher calculated that the angle was forty-five degrees, thirty minutes, and twelve seconds.
degrees, minutes, and seconds — full sequence
The telescope can track stars with an accuracy of one second of arc.
Surveyors measure land using degrees, minutes, and seconds to give precise boundaries.
- second of arc
- seconds of longitude
- seconds of latitude
- arcsecond
the full technical term; 'second' is the shortened form used in context
Grammar Patterns
second of arc
degrees, minutes, and seconds
Usage Note
Used mainly in technical fields such as astronomy, navigation, surveying, and map-making. The symbol for a second of angle is the double prime (″).
7. an item that a shop sells more cheaply than normal because it has a small flaw,
an item that a shop sells more cheaply than normal because it has a small flaw, such as a scratch or a stain, that stops it from being sold as a faultless product
The store sells factory seconds with small scratches at half the regular price.
factory seconds — common term for imperfect goods
Shirin bought a second from the pottery shop because the handle had a tiny crack.
The furniture warehouse has a corner where seconds of tables and chairs are marked down.
Piotr saw a small stain on the second's collar, so it cost less.
a second [singular countable] — one flawed item
- factory seconds
- seconds bin
- seconds section
- marked down seconds
- irregular
more formal; often used in clothing retail for items with minor defects
- flawed item
descriptive rather than a fixed term
- reject
stronger negative connotation; suggests the item failed quality inspection entirely
- first
a perfect-quality item sold at full price
Grammar Patterns
seconds (plural)
a second (singular)
factory seconds
Usage Note
Often used in the plural form 'seconds' even when referring to a category of goods. The singular 'a second' refers to one specific item. 'Factory seconds' is a fixed expression for goods sold directly by the manufacturer.
Common Mistakes
8. a person whose task is to attend to a boxer before and during a match, such as b
a person whose task is to attend to a boxer before and during a match, such as by passing them a towel, dressing wounds between rounds, or giving tactical advice; historically, the same role for someone engaged in a duel
Lara worked as a second for the champion boxer during the title fight.
The second rushed into the ring carrying a towel and water after the bell.
the second — role reference, definite article
Ayana trained as a second by learning how to treat cuts and bruises between rounds.
In historical stories, a gentleman often brought a second to guard him in a duel.
- boxer's second
- act as a second
- second in the corner
- corner man
more common in modern boxing; refers to anyone in the boxer's corner team
- handler
broader term; can include trainers and managers
Grammar Patterns
second + of/for + person
Usage Note
In modern boxing, the term is used mainly in professional contexts. Each boxer may have multiple seconds in their corner. The role historically was also important in formal duels, where the second would ensure fair conduct.
9. the next gear up from first in a vehicle, used to provide more pulling power at
the next gear up from first in a vehicle, used to provide more pulling power at medium-low speeds, such as when driving up a slope or moving through slow traffic
Theo shifted into second gear as the road began to climb the steep hill.
shifted into second gear — standard driving phrase
The driving instructor told Pim to use second gear when going around the sharp corner.
Adina's car struggled in second gear going up the mountain road.
Saira learned that second gear gives her car more pulling power at slower speeds.
second gear gives more pulling power — functional explanation
Zuri moved the gear stick into second after reaching about twenty kilometres an hour.
- in second gear
- shift into second
- change to second
- second gear climbing
- second speed
less common; used mainly in older British driving manuals
- first gear
the gear below second, used for starting and very slow speeds
- top gear
the highest gear, used for fast cruising
Grammar Patterns
in second (gear)
shift into second
second gear
use second
Usage Note
In manual transmission cars, second gear is typically used between roughly 10 and 30 kilometres per hour (6 to 18 miles per hour). In automatic cars, the transmission selects second gear automatically. The word 'gear' is often dropped in casual speech: 'shift into second'.
Common Mistakes
10. at British and some other universities, the level of degree that is one step bel
at British and some other universities, the level of degree that is one step below the top grade, usually split into upper second (good) and lower second (average)
Zuri graduated with an upper second in history from the University of Manchester.
upper second — the higher tier of second-class degree
Many graduate jobs in the UK ask for at least a second-class degree from applicants.
Madison was pleased to get a second in her final exams at Bristol University.
A second in engineering is enough to enter most training programmes in London.
a second in + subject — academic context
- upper second
- lower second
- second-class honours
- get a second in
- second-class degree
the full form, more formal
Grammar Patterns
upper second
lower second
a second in + subject
second-class degree
Usage Note
British universities classify undergraduate degrees as First Class (highest), Upper Second Class (2:1, pronounced 'two-one'), Lower Second Class (2:2, 'two-two'), and Third Class. The term 'a second' usually means an Upper Second unless specified otherwise.
Common Mistakes
11. on a baseball field, the base that a runner must reach after first base in order
on a baseball field, the base that a runner must reach after first base in order to score a run; also the name for the spot where a fielder stands when guarding that part of the field
Lara hit the ball hard and ran safely to second before the throw arrived.
The coach told Bilal to practise throwing from second to first after every catch.
second [the base] — definite article dropped in baseball talk
Ayana stole second while the pitcher was looking towards home plate.
Pim has played second for the local baseball team for the past three summers.
played second — meaning played the position of second base
The umpire called the runner out at second after a close play at the bag.
- at second
- to second
- play second
- steal second
- throw to second
- second base
the full term, equally common
- keystone
informal baseball term for the second base position; rhymes with 'second sack'
- first base
the base a runner must touch first
- home plate
the final base where runs are scored
Grammar Patterns
at second base
to second base
play second
second baseman
Usage Note
In baseball, 'second' can mean either the physical base pad itself or the defensive fielding position. The position is also called 'second base' or 'second baseman'. The word is often used without an article in baseball shorthand: 'playing second', 'running to second'.
12. a musician or vocalist in an ensemble who carries the harmony part beneath the l
a musician or vocalist in an ensemble who carries the harmony part beneath the lead, such as a second violinist, second soprano, or second trumpeter
Aoi played second violin in the school orchestra for three years.
Adina sang second soprano in the church choir every Sunday morning.
second soprano — voice part in a choir
The second clarinetist had to match the tempo set by the first player.
Saira asked to switch from first flute to second because she preferred the harmony.
Zuri joined the jazz band as a second trumpeter after passing the audition.
second trumpeter — instrument part in an ensemble
- second violin
- second soprano
- second trumpet
- play second in
- subordinate part
more formal; describes the musical function rather than the player
- harmony part
descriptive term focusing on the musical role
- first
the player of the higher, leading part, e.g. first violin
Grammar Patterns
second + instrument/voice
play second
sing second
Usage Note
In orchestras and choirs, 'second' parts provide harmonic support beneath the first (principal) part. A 'second violin' plays a lower-pitched harmony, not a less important role. This sense is distinct from the musical interval sense (noun/13), which measures the distance between two notes.
13. in music, the amount by which the pitch of one note is higher or lower than the
in music, the amount by which the pitch of one note is higher or lower than the pitch of the note one step away on a scale — for instance, the gap from C to D is a second
The interval between C and D is called a major second in Western music.
passive: is called [term name]
Yael practised playing the second interval on her flute until it sounded smooth.
collocation: play the second interval on [instrument]
The class sang a second, then a third, to hear the difference.
In this piano piece, every second interval between the two hands creates a gentle tension.
collocation: second interval between [X] and [Y]
A minor second sounds much more tense than a major second to most listeners.
comparison: minor second vs major second
- major second
- minor second
- harmonic second
- melodic second
- play a second
- sing a second
- interval
broader term; a second is a specific type of interval
Usage Note
Seconds come in two common types: a major second (two semitones apart, like C to D) and a minor second (one semitone apart, like E to F).
Common Mistakes
second — adjective
- secondpositive
- more secondcomparative
- most secondsuperlative
1. happening or located immediately after the first one in a series of events or po
happening or located immediately after the first one in a series of events or positions.
Haruto won a silver medal for coming second place in the race.
second + noun (place/position)
The second house on the left belongs to Rachel's grandmother.
second + noun (house)
Sofia pressed the second button from the top to call the lift.
On the second day of the trip, the group visited an old castle.
- second place
- second floor
- second day
- second attempt
- second time
- next
less specific; 'next' can mean immediately following without implying a numbered sequence
- 2nd
the written abbreviation, used in addresses and dates
- subsequent
more formal; can refer to any later item, not just the first after the first
- first
the one that comes before second in order
Grammar Patterns
second + noun
Usage Note
Always appears before a noun — you cannot say 'the house second' to mean the one after the first.
Common Mistakes
2. ranking just below the highest possible level in quality, importance, or merit.
ranking just below the highest possible level in quality, importance, or merit.
Tokyo is the second largest city in the world by population.
second + superlative adjective
Vikram was promoted to second in command at the shipping company.
For Ari, nothing was more important than his family, with his career a close second.
idiom: 'a close second'
The hotel offered only second class service despite charging top prices.
- second largest
- second biggest
- second in command
- second best
- second class
Grammar Patterns
second + noun (superlative implied)
Usage Note
Frequently paired with superlative adjectives in a 'second + superlative + noun' structure (e.g. 'second biggest', 'second oldest').
3. not as good as someone or something else in the same category; lower in status,
not as good as someone or something else in the same category; lower in status, skill, or quality.
Yael refused to be treated as a second class citizen in her own country.
second class citizen (fixed phrase)
Compared to Haruto's cooking, Henrik's efforts were definitely second rate.
The coach warned the team that second place was not good enough.
In terms of sound quality, cheap headphones are second to proper studio equipment.
second to (comparison pattern)
- second class
- second rate
- second to
- second place
- substandard
more formal; below an expected level rather than just not the best
- inferior
directly compares to something better; blunter judgment
- lesser
gentler than 'inferior'; can apply to rank, size, or quality
- first class
the highest standard, opposite of second rate
- superior
higher in quality or rank
Grammar Patterns
second + to + noun
second-rate + noun
Usage Note
Often carries a negative judgment about quality. 'Second rate' and 'second class' are fixed expressions. 'Second to' patterns with a noun phrase denoting the superior item.
Common Mistakes
4. holding the position just under the most senior role in an organisation, rank, o
holding the position just under the most senior role in an organisation, rank, or system of authority.
Karim served as second officer on a cargo ship for three years.
second + job title
The second engineer on the team handled all the maintenance work.
Cyrus was the second violinist, sitting behind the concertmaster.
In the army, a second lieutenant is the lowest rank of officer.
second lieutenant (military rank)
- second officer
- second lieutenant
- second engineer
- second violinist
- first
the top rank in a role hierarchy, e.g. first officer vs second officer
Grammar Patterns
second + in/on + noun phrase
Usage Note
Common in job titles and military ranks. The specific rank 'second lieutenant' is a fixed rank, not a description of seniority within a unit.
5. happening or occurring every other time in a repeating pattern; not the first ch
happening or occurring every other time in a repeating pattern; not the first choice or option.
The garbage truck comes every second Tuesday in our neighbourhood.
every second + day/week/time unit
Léa visits her grandparents every second weekend during the school term.
The bakery closes on the second and fourth Sundays of the month.
Ayana always chooses a second option in case her first plan falls through.
- every second day
- every second week
- every second year
- second option
- second choice
- alternate
slightly more formal; used in schedules and formal patterns
- other
more general; 'the other Tuesday' could mean the next or the alternate one depending on context
- alternating
emphasises the back-and-forth pattern between two options
- every
occurs each time without skipping
Grammar Patterns
every second + noun
Usage Note
The phrase 'every second' + time unit means 'every other' (e.g. 'every second day' = every other day). 'Second option' means a backup plan, not a worse plan.
Common Mistakes
6. being another version of a well-known or typical person or thing, closely resemb
being another version of a well-known or typical person or thing, closely resembling a recognised original example.
Some critics call the young pianist a second Mozart because of her talent.
a second + famous person (figurative)
Fire destroyed the original house, so they built a second home on the land.
Reuben treated the charity project like a second job, working on it every evening.
The town built a second school when the first one became too crowded.
- a second home
- a second chance
- a second Mozart
- a second opinion
- a second self
- original
the first version that others resemble or duplicate
Grammar Patterns
a second + noun (meaning 'another')
Usage Note
Used metaphorically with famous names ('a second Einstein') to suggest comparable talent. Also used literally for a duplicate or replacement of something ('a second home', 'a second chance').
Common Mistakes
7. describing a higher forward gear in a car or other vehicle, the one you move int
describing a higher forward gear in a car or other vehicle, the one you move into after first gear to gain more speed.
Asher shifted into second gear as the car reached the top of the hill.
second gear (fixed collocation)
On the narrow road, the driver kept the truck in second speed to stay safe.
Darius slowed down and dropped the car back into second for the sharp turn.
Lotte's driving instructor told her to move into second gear after the junction.
- second gear
- second speed
- into second
- drop to second
- shift to second
- 2nd gear
the written abbreviation; identical meaning in driving contexts
Grammar Patterns
second + noun (gear/speed)
Usage Note
Nearly always paired with 'gear' in modern English — 'second gear' is the standard term. 'Second speed' is older or technical. The gear provides more torque than higher gears, making it useful for low-speed driving.
Common Mistakes
8. describing a musical role that provides the lower-pitched or accompanying line w
describing a musical role that provides the lower-pitched or accompanying line when a group performs together, sitting beneath the lead part in pitch and importance.
Dahlia plays second violin in the city orchestra's string section.
second + instrument name (second violin)
The choir needs more singers for the second soprano part in the new piece.
Christopher practised the second trumpet part until he could play it by memory.
Nina moved from first violin to second violin when the orchestra needed a stronger harmony section.
second violin — supporting harmony part in an orchestra
- second violin
- second soprano
- second trumpet
- second part
- second voice
- lower
describes the pitch relationship; less specific than 'second'
- supporting
emphasises the role rather than the position
- alto
specific to voice types; narrower and not interchangeable with 'second' for instruments
- first
the lead part in a musical section, higher in pitch and prominence
Grammar Patterns
second + noun (instrument/voice/part)
Usage Note
In musical contexts, 'second' distinguishes the subordinate part from the 'first' (lead) part. A 'second violinist' plays the lower part, not a different instrument. This contrasts with sense 4 (SECOND IN COMMAND), which is about organisational rank rather than musical function.
Common Mistakes
second to none
idiombetter than everything or everyone else in a particular area; the very best.
The customer service at that hotel is second to none.
Sofia's baking skills are second to none in the whole neighbourhood.
second nature
idioma skill, habit, or behaviour that has become so familiar through practice that it feels completely natural and requires no conscious thought.
After driving for twenty years, changing gears is second nature to Karim.
For the experienced chef, chopping vegetables quickly became second nature.
second wind
idioma renewed burst of energy that you feel when you were previously very tired, especially during physical activity.
Around the fifth kilometre, Cyrus got his second wind and finished the race strongly.
After a short break and some water, Yael found her second wind for the final climb.
have second thoughts
idiomto start to doubt a decision or opinion you had previously made, considering changing your mind.
Vikram was having second thoughts about moving abroad so far from his family.
Rachel had second thoughts when she saw the price of the plane ticket.
doing something immediately and without any hesitation or doubt.
Ayana jumped into the river without a second thought to save the drowning child.
He would give up his seat on the bus without a second thought for an elderly person.
second — adverb
1. in the position that follows the winner — in a race, a contest, a queue, or any
in the position that follows the winner — in a race, a contest, a queue, or any ordered series
Yumi finished second in the swimming race, just behind the winner.
finish + second
Rodrigo came second in the school maths contest out of thirty students.
come + second
Second in line stood a young girl with a blue backpack and a red hat.
The French team finished second and took home the silver medal.
Christopher ran his best race but still came second behind a faster runner.
- finish second
- come second
- place second
- rank second
- second in line
- second in the race
- first
the position before anyone else
Grammar Patterns
finish/come/place/rank + second
Usage Note
Frequently follows verbs of position or rank such as finish, come, place, or rank. Do not use secondly in this context — secondly introduces a new point in a discussion, not a position in a competition.
Common Mistakes
2. marks the next item in a spoken or written series of arguments, facts, or opinio
marks the next item in a spoken or written series of arguments, facts, or opinions that you are presenting one by one
First, the hotel is too far from the beach. Second, it costs too much.
First... Second... discourse pairing
Kofi gave two reasons for leaving: first, missing his family; second, low pay.
First, the school has excellent teachers. Second, the class sizes are very small.
Élise explained her choice: first, the short travel time, and second, the low price.
first... and second... within a sentence
Samir said, "First, I lack the money. Second, I do not have the time."
- first... second...
- firstly... secondly...
- first... and second...
- secondly
more formal; preferred in academic and business writing
- in the second place
more formal and wordy; used in structured arguments
- next
more general; works for any position in a sequence, not just second
Grammar Patterns
First... Second...
second + comma + clause
Usage Note
Typically paired with First or Firstly earlier in the same text or speech. In formal writing, Secondly is more common; in everyday speech, Second alone is natural and widely used.
Common Mistakes
second — determiner / ordinal number
1. The item, event, or person that comes right after the very first one in a number
The item, event, or person that comes right after the very first one in a numbered order.
Lakan parked his bike in the second space from the entrance.
The second chapter of the novel was much shorter than the opening one.
the + second + noun for position in a series
Kenji finished in second place in the hundred-metre race at school.
Omar lives on the second floor of a small apartment building downtown.
Rachid pressed the second button from the top on the remote control.
- the second + noun (chapter/floor/place/page/time)
- second + noun (in sequence labels)
- first
The item that comes before 'second' in a numbered order.
Grammar Patterns
the + second + noun
second + noun (without article in specific contexts)
Usage Note
Usually appears with the definite article 'the', as in 'the second book' or 'the second time'. When used as a label (e.g. 'second class') or in set phrases, the article may be dropped.
Common Mistakes
2. Occupying the position just below the highest or best when items are compared by
Occupying the position just below the highest or best when items are compared by value, size, or standard.
Osaka is the second largest city in Japan after Tokyo.
the + second + superlative adjective + noun for ranking
For Anong, her children are the second most important part of her life.
This Italian restaurant is second only to the one in Rome.
second only to + noun
English is the second most widely spoken language in India.
- second largest/biggest
- second best
- second most important
- second only to
- second language
Grammar Patterns
the second + superlative adjective + noun
second only to + noun
Usage Note
Often combines with a superlative adjective ('second largest', 'second best') to show that only the top-ranked item is ahead. 'Second only to' is a fixed expression for exclusivity of rank.
Common Mistakes
3. An additional one of the same kind, besides the one you already have or use.
An additional one of the same kind, besides the one you already have or use.
The Huang family uses their mountain cabin as a second home.
a + second + noun for an additional item
Shirin asked for a second chance to finish the science project.
Joaquín keeps a second pair of reading glasses in his desk drawer.
Maeve booked a second appointment with the dentist for her check-up.
Adina ordered a second coffee after finishing her first cup quickly.
- a second chance
- a second home
- a second pair of
- a second opinion
- a second thought
- another
More common in everyday speech for 'one more of the same kind'. 'Second' adds a nuance of counting or numbering the additional item.
- extra
Emphasises that something is beyond what is usual or expected; 'extra' is more informal.
- additional
Slightly more formal; used in written or official contexts like 'additional copy'.
- only
Indicates that there is just one, not an additional one.
Grammar Patterns
a + second + noun
one's + second + noun
Usage Note
Unlike senses 1 and 2, this meaning uses the indefinite article 'a' or 'an' ('a second chance') rather than 'the'. It emphasises addition rather than position in a sequence.
Common Mistakes
second to none
idiomBetter than anything or anyone else; the very best in quality or ability.
The handmade furniture from that small shop is second to none in quality.
Léa's talent for playing the violin is second to none in her music class.
every second
idiomOccurring with one thing or person in between each instance: alternating.
The doctor asked Hari to take the medicine every second day, not daily.
The city bus stops at this street corner every second hour from morning until evening.
second — ordinal number
1. the number or rank that comes just after number one when you count items in a se
the number or rank that comes just after number one when you count items in a set or list them in order.
February is the second month of the year, right after January.
second + noun (month)
Takeshi lives on the second floor of the apartment building near the park.
second + noun (floor) for numbered position
Take the second turning on your left after the supermarket.
This is the second time the delivery driver has rung the bell today.
second + time / occasion
The second question on the test was much harder than the first one.
- second month
- second floor
- second time
- second question
- second chapter
- first
the position that comes before second
Grammar Patterns
second + noun
Usage Note
This is the core sense for using 'second' as a number label before a noun. It answers 'how many from the start?' in a fixed sequence.
Common Mistakes
2. the place that a person or team earns when they finish directly behind the winne
the place that a person or team earns when they finish directly behind the winner in a race, game, or contest.
Kasia came second in the school swimming competition last Friday.
come + second for competition result
The team finished in second place at the national volleyball tournament.
in second place
Arjun was thrilled to take second place in his very first marathon.
A runner's second-place finish earned her a spot on the national team.
second-place (hyphenated compound adjective)
A tie for second meant that both runners shared the silver medal.
- come second
- finish second
- in second place
- take second place
- second-place finish
- runner-up
more formal term for the person who finishes second in a competition
Grammar Patterns
finish/come + second
in second place
Usage Note
Unlike sense 1, this sense is used without 'the' directly after the verb: 'finish second', 'come second'. The phrase 'in second place' uses a preposition.
Common Mistakes
3. used to describe something that ranks just below the top in size, quality, impor
used to describe something that ranks just below the top in size, quality, importance, or amount — for example, the second largest city or the second oldest building.
Osaka is the second largest city in Japan, after Tokyo.
the second + superlative (largest)
Tariq considers Spanish his second strongest language after Arabic.
The company became the second biggest producer of solar panels in Europe.
the second biggest + noun
Felipe chose the second most expensive option because it had better features.
the second most + adjective
Mount Kilimanjaro is the second highest mountain in Africa.
- second largest
- second biggest
- second highest
- second most important
- second oldest
- next best
less formal, often used for choices rather than rankings
Grammar Patterns
the second + superlative adjective + noun
the second + biggest/best/largest/most important
Usage Note
Always follows the pattern 'the second + superlative' — e.g. 'the second tallest', 'the second most popular'. It means 'only one thing is more X than this.'
Common Mistakes
4. one more of the same kind, coming after the first instance of something similar.
one more of the same kind, coming after the first instance of something similar.
Christopher decided to buy a second pair of shoes for the hiking trip.
a second [noun] — implies 'another one'
The family owns a second home in the mountains near the lake.
Linh asked for a second chance to complete the project on time.
second chance
Nellie booked a second appointment with the dentist for next week.
The teacher suggested that Obi might need a second look at the math problem.
second look
- second chance
- second home
- second opinion
- second attempt
- second look
- another
more common in everyday speech; 'second' adds a sense of counting
- additional
more formal, used in official or written contexts
- only
implies just one and no more
Grammar Patterns
a second + noun
second + noun (without article for general reference)
Usage Note
In this sense, 'second' is interchangeable with 'another'. Common fixed phrases include 'second chance', 'second home', and 'second opinion'.
Common Mistakes
5. happening or appearing with one regular interval in between each occurrence — fo
happening or appearing with one regular interval in between each occurrence — for example, if something happens every second day, it happens on day one, skips day two, and happens again on day three.
Amihan visits her grandparents every second weekend during the school term.
every second + time unit
The recycling truck comes every second Tuesday in this neighborhood.
Cole works from home every second day to save money on travel costs.
every second day
The magazine publishes a new issue every second month, not monthly.
- every second day
- every second week
- every second year
- every second month
- every other
the more common alternative; 'every second' is slightly more formal
- every
implies each one in a series without skipping
Grammar Patterns
every second + noun (day/week/month/year)
on every second + noun
Usage Note
This sense only appears in the fixed pattern 'every second + time noun'. Unlike senses 1-4, it does not refer to counting but to frequency. It is interchangeable with 'every other'.
Common Mistakes
6. for music, this word marks the instrument or voice part that plays or sings at a
for music, this word marks the instrument or voice part that plays or sings at a lower pitch, supporting the main part in an ensemble.
The lead singer sings second tenor in the choir at the local church.
second + voice part (tenor/soprano/etc.)
The second violins play the harmony while the first violins carry the melody.
Adina prefers the second soprano part because it feels more natural for her voice range.
second + instrument/part for lower pitch
A student was asked to move from first trumpet to second trumpet in the band.
- second violin
- second tenor
- second soprano
- second trumpet
- second part
- lower
describes the pitch relationship, but less precise than 'second'
- first
the higher-pitched leading part in the same section
Grammar Patterns
second + instrument (violin, trumpet)
second + voice (tenor, soprano)
Usage Note
Commonly used with instrument names ('second violin', 'second trumpet') and voice types ('second tenor', 'second soprano'). The second part is typically lower in pitch and harmonically supports the first part.
Word family
- secondmentnounC1
- secondlyadverbB1
- secondaryadjectiveB2
- second-handadjectiveB1
- second-handadverbB2
- second-rateadjectiveB2
- secondernounC1
Synonym discussion
Sense: adjective/1
All four words can refer to something that follows something else, but there are important differences. 'Second' is the most precise: it explicitly means 'position number two in a numbered series' ('the second chapter', 'second place'). 'Next' is more general and can mean the very next item regardless of its numbered position ('the next bus', 'the next page') — it does not guarantee the item is number two. 'Subsequent' is formal and refers to anything that comes later in a sequence ('subsequent events'), with no implication of being directly after the first. 'Other' is the broadest and can mean the second of two items ('the other shoe'), or any additional item beyond the first, without specifying position. In daily usage: 'Take the second turning' (precise, position 2); 'Take the next turning' (position 2 or the very next one); 'The subsequent chapters are longer' (any later chapter); 'The other option is cheaper' (the second of two options). For learners at A1–A2 level, 'second' is the safest choice when you need to say something is clearly number two.
Common collocations
Nouns
- second place
- second time
- second chance
- second thought
Adverbs
- second only to
- second best
- second most
Phrases
- second to none
- every second
- in second place
- on second thought
Prepositions
- second in
- second to
- second from
Etymology
The word 'second' comes from Latin 'secundus', which meant 'following' or 'next in order', itself derived from 'sequi' ('to follow'). It entered English via Old French 'second' in the 13th century, gradually replacing the earlier Old English 'ōþer' (other) for the ordinal sense. The noun sense for a unit of time (one-sixtieth of a minute) developed in the late 14th century, based on the idea of the 'second' division of an hour by sixty — first the minute (from Latin 'pars minuta prima' — first small part), then the second ('pars minuta secunda' — second small part). Other specialised senses (boxing assistant, second gear, musical interval) emerged from the core meaning of 'following' or 'next in rank.'
First known use
13th century
13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a Noun (1)