ENGLISH
REFERENCE

helping

n. · v.
US //ˈhɛɫpɪŋ// UK //hˈɛlpɪŋ// help·ing
  1. 1 a portion of food (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Cooking

    a single portion of food served to one person at a meal.

    a portion of food served to or taken by one person. Countable in this sense.

    Example

    He was so hungry that he asked for a second helping of pasta.

    Example

    The host insisted on giving everyone a generous helping of the traditional dessert, despite several guests claiming they were already full.

  2. 2 giving assistance (v.)
    A1 Beginner

    the act of giving aid, support, or assistance to someone.

    the present participle of 'help', describing the act of providing assistance or relief.

    Example

    Helping others is a great way to feel more connected to your community.

    Example

    By helping the local charity with their fundraising efforts, the students gained valuable experience in project management and public relations.

Etymology 1

From Middle English helping, helpinge, helpynge, equivalent to help + -ing.

Etymology 2

From Middle English helpinge, helpynge, helpinde, helponde, helpand, from Old English helpende, present participle of Old English helpan (“to help”), equivalent to help + -ing. Cognate with Dutch helpend, German helfend, Swedish hjälpande.

Idioms1 entry

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