This is the 2626th most frequent Japanese word.
支える
To support or sustain.
Here, '支える' metaphorically refers to something fundamental that upholds or maintains a concept or endeavor.
学問を支える基本は努力です。
The foundation that supports academic studies is effort.
Here, '支える' is used in the sense of providing emotional or moral support to someone.
私は友人の感情を支えるために話を聞きました。
I listened to support my friend's feelings.
In this sentence, '支える' describes a physical action, specifically the provision of structural support.