noun Uncommon

aide

ayd

Aide (noun) means a person who assists someone, especially in a professional or political role. Example: “The senator's aide handled all his correspondence.”

noun

A person who assists someone, especially in a professional or political role.

"The senator's aide handled all his correspondence."

"A teaching aide helped the students with their reading."

How to use aide

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA helper or assistant, often used for political, military, or teaching roles.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "aid" (the verb/noun meaning help or support) — "aide" always refers to a person.

Easily confused with

aid →

Common pairings

presidential aide teaching aide nursing aide

Word forms

aides plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The senator's _____ handled all his correspondence.

Etymology

From French aide, "helper," related to "aide-de-camp" (a military officer's field assistant).

Origin: French

Synonyms

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assistant helper deputy adjutant right hand attendant

Related words

secretary acting agent assistant deputy attend junior lieutenant

Rhymes for aide

ide tide hide ride wide side bide abide slide bride guide aside

See all rhymes for 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.

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Words with French origins

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