# help

/ˈhɛɫp/ (US) · /hˈɛlp/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/help
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to assist

verb · CEFR A1

to do something for someone so that they can do a task more easily.

For teachers: to provide assistance or aid to a person or entity in order to facilitate the completion of a task.

- Could you help me carry these heavy bags to the car?
- The local community centre helps residents find employment by offering free workshops on CV writing and interview techniques.

Usage: Can be followed by an object and either the bare infinitive or the 'to' infinitive.

### 2. to improve a situation

verb · CEFR A2

to make a situation better or easier to deal with.

For teachers: to contribute to the improvement or alleviation of a condition or problem.

- Taking a short walk every day really helps with my back pain.
- The new government subsidies are designed to help the struggling agricultural sector recover from the recent drought.

### 3. to refrain from

verb · CEFR B1

to stop yourself from doing something, usually used with 'can't'.

For teachers: to prevent or refrain from an action; almost exclusively used in negative constructions with 'can' or 'could'.

- I couldn't help laughing when the cat fell off the sofa.
- Despite the gravity of the situation, she could not help feeling a slight sense of relief that the secret was finally out.

Usage: Commonly used in the pattern 'can't help doing something'.

### 4. assistance

noun · CEFR A1

the act of helping someone, or the person who helps.

For teachers: the action of providing aid; also used metonymically to refer to the person or thing providing that aid.

- I really appreciate all the help you gave me during the move.
- The project was completed ahead of schedule thanks to the extra help provided by the temporary staff members.

### 5. software documentation

noun · CEFR A2

information in a computer program that explains how to use it.

For teachers: on-screen documentation or a support system within a software application designed to assist the user.

- If you don't know how to save the file, check the help menu.
- The application's help files are searchable by keyword, making it easy to find solutions for specific technical errors.

## Examples

- I need some help with this heavy box.
- If you are not sure how to save the file, click on the help button in the top corner.
- The software includes an extensive help section that provides step-by-step instructions for troubleshooting common connectivity issues without needing to call technical support.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.