aide
7 synonyms for aide, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person who assists someone, especially in a professional or political role.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
adjutant
right hand
How to use aide
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
presidential aide
teaching aide
nursing aide
Etymology
From French aide, "helper," related to "aide-de-camp" (a military officer's field assistant).
Full origin of aide →Frequently asked questions
What does “aide” mean?
The word “aide” means a person who assists someone, especially in a professional or political role. In plain terms, a helper or assistant, often used for political, military, or teaching roles.
How do you pronounce “aide”?
“Aide” is pronounced ayd (/eɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “aide” in a sentence?
Here is “aide” used in a sentence: “The senator's aide handled all his correspondence.”
What part of speech is “aide”?
“Aide” is a noun.
Where does the word “aide” come from?
The word “aide” comes from French. From French aide, "helper," related to "aide-de-camp" (a military officer's field assistant).
Is “aide” a common word?
“Aide” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between "aide" and "aid"?
"Aide" is a noun referring to a person who assists someone, such as a political aide or teaching aide. "Aid" more commonly refers to help or support itself rather than a person, and confusing the two is a common spelling mistake since they sound identical.
What is the plural of "aide"?
The plural is "aides," formed by simply adding an s.
Is "aide" used in formal contexts?
Yes, "aide" typically appears in professional and political contexts, such as "presidential aide" or "teacher's aide," describing someone in an official assisting role rather than a casual helper.
