English Profile

aid · noun

/eɪd/Full view

aid (HELP)

C1 U money, food, or equipment that is given to help a country or group of people

Dictionary examples:

Emergency aid was sent to the flood victims.

aid workers

Learner example:

Many people in poorer nations die without proper medical aid. (International English Language Testing System; C1; Bihari)

in aid of sb/sth

C1 in order to collect money for a group of people who need it

Dictionary example:

a concert in aid of famine relief

Learner example:

It w[ould] be an honour for us students at the centre if you could attend our sport[s] function in aid of stress[ed] out kids and present the pri[z]es. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Spanish)

with the aid of sth

C1 using something to help you

Dictionary example:

She can walk with the aid of a stick.

Learner example:

The newest computer can handle data that human brains cannot and therefore all scientific research [is] carried out with the aid of computers. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Chinese)

aid (EQUIPMENT)

C1 C a piece of equipment that helps you to do something

Dictionary example:

teaching aids such as books and videos

Learner example:

Also, it would be an excellent aid if a new laser printer was bought, so as to make more copies in less time. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Spanish)

aid · verb

/eɪd/

aid

C1 T to help someone

Dictionary examples:

The project is designed to aid the homeless.

He was aided in his research by his knowledge of Greek.

Learner example:

Some people believe that it is essential for both poorer and rich countries [that] the rich countries aid the poorer ones, and this is my opinion, for [a] number of plausible reasons. (International English Language Testing System; C1; Arabic)