aider

Definition & meaning

The verb aider means to help, to assist, or to support. It is a transitive verb that typically describes providing assistance to someone or something to achieve a task, reach a goal, or overcome a difficulty.

There are two primary ways it is used:

1. To assist someone: You can help a person directly. Example: "Il m'aide à faire mes devoirs." (He is helping me do my homework.)
2. To facilitate or contribute to: It can also mean to contribute to a process or to alleviate a situation. Example: "Ce médicament aide à réduire la douleur." (This medicine helps reduce the pain.)

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar:

• aider is a regular -er verb (first conjugation group).
• It is usually followed by the preposition à when followed by an infinitive verb (e.g., aider à faire).
• It can also be used as a reflexive verb, s'aider ↗, which means to help oneself or to help one another.

Word origin:

• The word comes from the Old French aidier, which originates from the Vulgar Latin adiutare, a frequentative form of the Latin adiuvare (to assist, to support).

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

• Assister ↗: To provide formal or regular help.
• Secourir ↗: To help someone in a situation of danger or distress.
• Soutenir ↗: To support someone emotionally or materially.
• Seconder ↗: To help someone in their tasks as an assistant.

Antonyms:

• Nuire ↗: To harm or to cause damage.
• Entraver ↗: To hinder, obstruct, or prevent someone from acting.
• Empêcher ↗: To prevent or stop someone from doing something.