Last updated on November 4th, 2023 at 03:39 pm
Which is correct aid or aide?
While aid and aide sound the same spoken aloud, and are almost spelled the exact same (with the exception of the additional -e), they’re different words with different meanings. Allow us to assist in clarifying the distinction . . . or should I say, offer aid on the correct word choice.
When to use “aid” vs. “aide”:
Aide (pronounced aye-d) is a noun meaning assistant. Someone who acts as an assistant is an aide (and vice versa). For example, the term ‘teacher’s aide‘ shows the correct use of the noun aide. Similarly, there are nurses’ aides, political aides, and so forth.
Examples of aide in sentences:
He served as an aide to the former president.
The nurse’s aide will bring you an extra pillow.
I wasn’t able to speak with the governor, but his aide was very helpful.
Aid
The word aid can function as a noun or a verb. In its noun form, aid refers to “money, food, etc. that is sent to help countries in difficult situations”. In other words, aid refers to the actual assistance that is given, or to the items that provide assistance or relief.
As a verb, to aid means to “help somebody/something to do something, especially by making it easier”. Aid can also mean to help someone accomplish something; for example, the phrase ‘to aid and abet‘, refers to helping someone achieve an illicit goal, or do something illegal.
Examples of aid in sentences:
Financial foreign aid has been provided for victims of the earthquake.
Emergency aid arrived too late for many.
She walks with the aid of a stick.
Synonyms of aide
- assistant
- adjutant
- aide-de-camp
- helper
- attendant
- right-hand man/woman
Synonyms of aid
- assistance
- treatment
- care
- relief
- service
- benefit
Phrases with aid/aide
- To aid and abet (to help someone, usually with someone illicit)
- To aid in doing/come to one’s aid (to help someone in completing a task)
- A band-aid approach/band-aid solution (a temporary solution to a problem)
- To rip the band-aid off (to quickly do something that’s painful so it’s short-lived)
- All in the Kool-Aid but don’t know the flavor (to involve someone in something they know little about)
- Thirst-aid station (slang for a place where you can purchase alcohol)
Origin of the word aid/aide
Early 15c., aide, “war-time tax,” also “help, support, assistance,” from Old French aide, earlier aiudha “aid, help, assistance,” from Late Latin adiuta, “to give help to.”
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- Which is it: Allusion or Illusion?
- Insure, ensure or assure?
- Already or All Ready?
Sources
- Aide, Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, accessed on Oct 9, 2023.
- Aid, Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, accessed on Oct 9, 2023.
- Origin of aid, etymonline, accessed on Oct 9, 2023.
- “Aid.” TheFreeDictionary.com. 2023. Farlex, Inc. 4 Nov. 2023 https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/aid