aid
- 01 B1 Intermediate
n.help, such as money or food, given to people or countries that need it.
n.assistance, especially in the form of money, food, or equipment, provided to those in distress or to developing countries.
Simple“The government sent emergency aid to the region after the earthquake.”
In context“International aid agencies struggled to distribute supplies effectively due to the damaged infrastructure in the remote mountain provinces.”
UsageOften uncountable when referring to humanitarian relief.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a tool or piece of equipment that helps you do something.
n.a device or material source of assistance that facilitates a task or compensates for a physical disability.
Simple“Visual aids like charts and photos can help students understand the lesson.”
In context“The elderly man relied on a hearing aid to participate in family conversations during the noisy holiday dinner.”
UsageCountable in this sense.
Synonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to help or support someone or something.
v.to provide support or assistance to further the progress of an action or person.
Simple“The new software is designed to aid teachers in grading exams more quickly.”
In context“The research was specifically funded to aid the development of sustainable energy solutions for rural communities.”
UsageTransitive verb; takes a direct object.
- 04 C1 Advanced
n.a person who acts as an assistant.
n.a person who acts as an assistant or helper; often used interchangeably with 'aide'.
Simple“She worked as a teacher's aid for three years before getting her own classroom.”
In context“The executive hired a personal aid to manage his complex travel schedule and daily correspondence.”
Teacher's tipIn modern American English, the spelling 'aide' is much more common for a person, while 'aid' is used for the help itself.
- 05 C2 Proficiency
n.the way a rider uses their hands and legs to control a horse.
n.the signals given by a rider to a horse using the hands, legs, voice, and body weight.
Simple“The rider used subtle leg aids to tell the horse to move faster.”
In context“Mastering the coordination of natural aids is essential for any equestrian wishing to compete at a professional level.”
UsageUsually used in the plural.
Usage aid coordination · aid access · aid cuts