B2noun1K

Aid

UK /["/eɪd/"]/US /["/eɪd/"]/

Definition

money, food, etc. that is sent to help countries in difficult situations

In simple words: Help or support someone.

Examples

  • The organization provided aid to the victims of the natural disaster.
  • He received financial aid to help pay for his college tuition.
  • Many countries send aid to help rebuild communities after a crisis.
  • She used visual aids to enhance her presentation.
  • With the aid of modern technology, we can accomplish tasks more efficiently.

Usage notes

Use 'aid' in both formal and informal situations. Appropriate for discussing help in emergencies or support in education. Avoid in casual settings where simpler words like 'help' are preferred.

Grammar pattern

aid + object

Memory hint

Think of 'AID' as 'Always In Demand' for support.

Collocations

  • emergency
  • humanitarian
  • cash
  • appeal for
  • call for
  • extend
  • agency
  • worker
  • budget
  • ask for
  • enlist
  • come to somebody’s
  • in aid of
  • with the aid of
  • without the aid of
  • effective
  • essential
  • useful
  • aid to

Synonyms

  • assist
  • help
  • support
  • facilitate
  • boost

Antonyms

  • hinder
  • obstruct
  • neglect

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'aide', which refers to a helper or assistant.
  • Omitting the object, as in saying 'She aids' instead of 'She aids the students.'
  • Using 'aid' as a noun without a clear context, such as 'I need aid' without specifying.