aid

/eɪd/
nounBeginner
general

Help or support given to someone in need, especially in the form of money, food, or other resources.

The government sent aid to the flood-affected regions.

The government provided help and resources to the areas hit by floods.

💡

Can be used as a countable or uncountable noun.

general

To help or support someone, especially in a difficult situation.

She aided the elderly woman in crossing the street.

She helped the elderly woman cross the street.

💡

When used as a verb, it is often followed by 'in' or 'to'.

Collocations

provide aidto give help or supportemergency aidimmediate help in a crisisfinancial aidmoney given to help someone

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

first aidphrase
emergency medical treatment
aid and abetphrase
to help someone commit a crime

💡Pro Tip

Noun and Verb Usage

'Aid' can be used as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to help or support, while as a verb, it means to assist or support.

Gold Rule

Countable and Uncountable

'Aid' can be used as both a countable and uncountable noun. For example, 'The organization provides aid to the needy' (uncountable) and 'The government sent several aids to the disaster area' (countable).

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'aide', from Old French 'aide', from Latin 'adiutare' meaning 'to help'.

📝Usage Notes

The word 'aid' can be used as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to help or support, while as a verb, it means to assist or support.

Word Breakdown

a
prefix indicating action or state
prefix
+
id
from Latin 'adiutare' meaning 'to help'
root
English Dictionary