What does seconded mean?
“Seconded” describes a proposal, motion, or person that has received support from someone beyond the original proposer or nominator. In meetings and parliamentary procedure, a member who seconds a motion formally indicates approval and gives the proposal another voice; the wording is often “seconded by.” The word can also describe someone serving temporarily as another person's deputy, especially in committee, diplomatic, military, or organizational contexts: “She was seconded to the inquiry.” Its meaning therefore depends partly on syntax: “The proposal was seconded” usually implies formal endorsement, while “seconded to the committee” usually means assigned to act as a deputy. The expression conveys procedural or institutional support rather than the broad enthusiasm often suggested by words such as “applaud” or “celebrate.”
Given support or formal approval by another vote or another person; alternatively, serving temporarily as a deputy.
"The amendment was seconded by the chair."
In deliberative contexts, “seconded” indicates that someone other than the proposer supports the motion.
Formally supported a motion or proposal, especially by adding another voice in support of it.
"Several committee members seconded the recommendation."
This is the past tense and past participle of “second” in the sense of formally supporting a proposal.
In a formal meeting, one person proposes a motion and another member seconds it—literally lending the proposal a second voice.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does seconded come from?
The word is formed from “second” using the suffix “-ed.” “Second” entered Middle English from Old French “second,” which derived from Latin “secundus,” meaning “second” or “following.” The underlying Latin root also appears in cognates such as “secondary” and “secund.” In its meeting and deputizing senses, “seconded” developed by extending the idea of following or supporting another person.
How seconded is actually used
The expression is especially common in parliamentary, committee, and formal organizational settings. When it refers to deputizing, it is more prevalent in British English.
Easily confused with seconded
“Seconded” means supported, endorsed, or temporarily deputized, whereas “second” names a position in a sequence or a unit of time.