Which is correct, “aid” or “aide”?
The mayor’s chief aide helps him manage his public appearances.
Their mission is to aid refugees by providing them with food and shelter.
My grandmother uses a walking aide to get around more easily.
The diplomat was accompanied by his personal aid during the negotiations.
While aid and aide sound the same when 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”
| Examples of “aide” | Examples of “aid” |
| My aide assists with most of my work. | Refugees are in need of significant aid. |
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.
The word aid can be a noun or a verb. As a noun, aid refers to “money, food, etc. that is sent to help countries in difficult situations”. In other words, the actual assistance that is given, or the items that provides assistance or relief are considered as aid.
As a verb, 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, see the phrase ‘to aid and abet‘, which refers to helping someone achieve an illicit goal.
Aide and aid (in application)
| Word | Sentences |
|---|---|
| aide |
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 |
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. |
“aide” as a noun (assistant), associate it with “aid” (verb, to help). “Aide” is the assistant, giving aid.
Similar words
| Word | Similar words |
|---|---|
| aid | assistance, treatment, care, relief, service, benefit |
| aide | assistant, adjutant, aide-de-camp, helper, attendant, right-hand man/woman |
Phrases with aid/aide
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| To aid and abet | To help someone, usually to accomplish something illicit or illegal. |
| To aid in doing/come to one’s aid | To offer support or help when someone needs. |
| A band-aid approach/band-aid solution | A temporary solution to a problem. |
| To rip the band-aid off | To deal with something uncomfortable quickly rather than prolong it. |
| Thirst-aid station | A slang term to refer to a place where one can purchase alcohol. |
| All in the Kool-Aid but don’t know the flavor | slang for “involving oneself in something one knows little or nothing about”. |
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.”
Read about other confusing words
Practice: Aid vs. aide
The nurse gave first ______ to the injured man.
The senator’s ______ scheduled her appointments.
Will you ______ me with my homework?
She works as an ______ in the governor’s office.
We sent ______ to the victims of the flood.
FAQs
What’s the difference between aid and aide?
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When should I use the word aide?
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When should I use the word aid?
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Do aid and aide sound different?
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Is “walking aide” the correct term?
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Yash, D. "How to Use Aid vs. Aide (Definition, Examples)." Grammarflex, Aug 24, 2025, https://grammarflex.com/aid-vs-aide/.
