aid

²aid

noun

Definition of AID

1

: a subsidy granted to the king by the English parliament until the 18th century for an extraordinary purpose

2

a : the act of helping b : help given : assistance <providing aid and comfort>; specifically : tangible means of assistance (as money or supplies)

3

a : an assisting person or group — compare aide b : something by which assistance is given : an assisting device <an aid to understanding> <a visual aid>; especially : hearing aid

4

: a tribute paid by a vassal to his lord

Examples of AID

1. The project was completed with the aid of several students.
2. The work was done with the aid of a computer.
3. The government has given millions of dollars in economic aid to these nations.
4. She applied for financial aid in order to go to college.
5. The diagram is provided as an aid to understanding.
6. The computer is an aid to keeping costs down.
7. He teaches art with visual aids.

First Known Use of AID

15th century

Related to AID

Synonyms: adjunct, adjutant, helper, aide, apprentice, assistant, coadjutor, deputy, helpmate, helpmeet, lieutenant, mate, sidekick

Antonyms: disadvantage, drawback, encumbrance, hindrance, impediment, minus

Related Words: attendant, handmaiden (also handmaid), maid, maidservant, scullion, servant; auxiliary, legman, subordinate, underling; employee (also employe), hand, help, hireling, laborer, swamper, worker; gal Friday, girl Friday; man Friday, right hand; aide-de-camp

Near Antonyms: constraint, inhibitor, liability, obstacle, obstruction, restraint, stranglehold

see all synonyms and antonyms

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