aid

/eɪd/
help or support

The rescue team provided aid to the earthquake victims.

The rescue team gave help and support to the people affected by the earthquake.


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

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