C1noun3K

Aide

UK /["/eɪd/"]/US /["/eɪd/"]/

Definition

a person who helps another person, especially a politician, in their job

In simple words: A person who helps someone, especially in work or tasks.

Examples

White House aides
She served as an aide to the former president.
The following year he was appointed as a presidential aide.

Usage notes

Commonly used in workplaces and education. Less appropriate in casual conversations. Can imply formal assistance.

Grammar pattern

aide + object

Memory hint

Remember 'aide' as in 'aid-de' — like a helpful friend at work.

Collocations

close
trusted
senior
act as
serve as
work as
aide to

Synonyms

assistant
helper
supporter
facilitator
shadow

Antonyms

adversary
opponent
hindrance

Common mistakes

Confused with 'aid', which is a verb or noun for help.
Using 'aide' instead of 'assistant' in less formal contexts.
Mispronouncing it as 'aid' instead of 'ayde'.