DictionaryAI

help

HELP/hɛlp/

Formshelps, helping, helped

12 meanings of help

Practice

  1. 1
    assistverbtransitive
    To do something useful for someone so their task or problem is easier.

    Like giving someone a hand when their arms are full.

    Can you help me carry these bags?

    She helps her brother with his homework every night.

    UsageSay help me carry it, or help with the dishes.

    Similarassist, aid, support

    Oppositehinder, impede, obstruct

    Note
  2. 2
    verbtransitive
    To make something more likely to happen or get better.

    Like adding a log to make a fire burn better.

    Eating well helps your body stay strong.

    Daily practice will help your skills improve.

    UsageSay it helps to practice.

    Similaraid, promote, boost, assist, facilitate

    Oppositehinder, hamper, impede, slow

    Note
  3. 3
    assistancenoununcountable
    Support given to someone, including care or treatment for a problem.

    Like a friend carrying part of your heavy load.

    Thank you for all your help with the move.

    She offered help without being asked.

    UsageSay some help and help with homework.

    Similarassistance, aid, support

  4. 4
    can't avoidverbtransitive
    To stop yourself from doing something, used mostly with "can't".

    I couldn't help laughing at his silly joke.

    He can't help laughing when his dad tells bad jokes.

    UsageSay I can't help it, or I couldn't help laughing.

    Similaravoid, resist, stop

    Note
  5. 5
    something usefulnoununcountable
    Someone or something that is useful and makes a job easier, as in 'you've been a big help'.

    Like a stool that lets you reach a high shelf.

    A good map can be a real help when you are lost.

    Her advice was a big help to me.

    UsageSay you were a great help.

    Similaraid, asset, boon, benefit

    Oppositehindrance, burden

  6. 6
    verbHong KongSingaporetransitive
    To do a task for someone instead of them having to do it.

    Like running an errand for a friend who is too busy.

    Can you help me post this letter when you go out?

    I was at work, so my sister helped me collect the parcel.

    UsageHelp me buy lunch here means buy it for me.

    Similarassist, aid, oblige

    Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of help apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origins

Meanings 3, 5, 9–10

This noun comes from Old English 'help', meaning help or aid. It goes back to an older Germanic root and probably to an Indo-European one.

Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 3 facts

Meanings 1–2, 4, 6–8, 11–12

This verb comes from Old English 'helpan', meaning to help or aid. It goes back to an older Germanic root and probably to an Indo-European one.

Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 3 facts