aide
- 01 C1 Advanced
a person who helps a leader or politician with their daily work and decisions.
a confidential assistant to a high-ranking official, often responsible for administrative tasks, research, or communication.
Simple“The senator asked his top aide to prepare a report for the meeting.”
In context“A senior White House aide briefed the press on the upcoming diplomatic mission to ensure the administration's message remained consistent.”
UsageCommonly used in political journalism and government contexts.
PitfallThe government sent medical aide to the region. The government sent medical aid to the region.Use 'aide' for a person who helps; use 'aid' for help itself or resources like money and food.
- 02 C1 Advanced
a military officer who acts as an assistant to a high-ranking officer.
a military officer who serves as a personal assistant to a superior officer; a shortened form of aide-de-camp.
Simple“The general arrived at the base accompanied by a young aide.”
In context“The colonel relied on his aide to manage his complex schedule and handle sensitive correspondence with the Ministry of Defence.”
UsageOften used as a synonym for 'aide-de-camp' in formal military writing.
Synonymsaide de campadjutant
“When she took office she rebuffed aides who suggested she start tweeting: "People don't say 'pass me the hashtag newspaper, or I'd like a hashtag coffee'." Announcements were to be made formally.”
“One of Trump's longest-serving and most loyal aides, 35-year-old Harp is trusted with typing out his Truth Social posts, among other top responsibilities.”
Borrowed from French aide ("aid; assistant", as in aide-de-camp (“field assistant”)). More at aid.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.