Helper: meaning, definitions and examples

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helper

[ˈhɛlpər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

support

A person who helps or assists others, especially in a professional capacity.

Synonyms

aide, assistant, supporter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
helper	Appropriate for informal settings or when referring to someone who provides assistance without a formal role. Often used with children or in casual conversations. I have a little helper who tidies up the toys Tim was my helper during the event
assistant	Best used in a work or organizational context to describe someone who performs administrative or supportive duties. It implies a more official role. The executive assistant organized the meeting My assistant is handling the scheduling
aide	Commonly used in formal or professional environments, especially in healthcare, education, politics, or for someone providing close assistance to an important person. The nurse aide will assist you with your medication The politician's aide prepared all the documents
supporter	Used when describing someone who shows approval, encouragement, or financial backing for a person, cause, or team. It has a positive connotation and is often seen in the context of sports, charities, or campaigns. He is a strong supporter of animal rights The team's supporters cheered loudly

Examples of usage

He worked as a helper in a local charity.
She hired a helper to assist with her workload.
The helper guided the tourists around the city.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

software

A program or tool designed to assist users in performing specific tasks.

Synonyms

assistant, program, tool.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
helper	This term is often used for people or things that assist others in tasks, generally in a more informal setting. It implies a supportive role without implying professional expertise. My little brother is a great helper when I need to clean my room. The kitchen helper quickly prepped all the ingredients for the main chef.
assistant	The word 'assistant' is typically used in professional or formal contexts. It suggests a role that involves specific responsibilities and tasks, often working directly under someone with higher authority. The manager's assistant scheduled all the meetings for the week. She works as a research assistant in the biology department.
tool	A 'tool' is any device or implement used to carry out a particular function. It can range from physical tools like hammers to digital tools like software applications. A hammer is a basic yet essential tool in any toolkit. Photoshop is a versatile tool for graphic designers.
program	This term refers to a set of coded instructions that a computer can execute, generally used in the field of computer science and software development. The new software program helps manage the company's finances efficiently. I need to write a program that automates data entry tasks.

Examples of usage

This app acts as a helper for organizing your schedule.
The virtual assistant serves as a helpful helper in managing tasks.
The software includes a helper feature for troubleshooting.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'helper' comes from the Old English 'helpan', which means 'to assist or save'.
In Middle English, the term evolved to 'helpen', further developing into the modern 'helper'.
The suffix '-er' denotes someone who performs an action, making it clear that a helper is someone who helps.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, the concept of helping others is highly valued and often celebrated through community service events.
Folktales across the world often feature helpers or good Samaritans who assist heroes in their journeys, emphasizing the importance of collaboration.
In modern pop culture, characters like 'The Helper' in children's shows embody the spirit of assistance and friendship.

Psychology

Research shows that helping others can boost one’s mood and increase feelings of happiness.
Being a helper can create a sense of purpose, leading to enhanced life satisfaction for the person providing help.
Empathy plays a crucial role in helping behavior; the more we feel for others, the more likely we are to assist them.

Education

In classrooms, peer helpers, or student aides, are often used to assist teachers and support fellow students in their learning.
Educational programs that emphasize collaboration teach children the value of being helpers, instilling social skills and teamwork.
Research indicates that students who engage in helping others often perform better academically, as they reinforce their own knowledge through teaching.

Technology

In computer science, a 'helper function' is a small piece of code designed to assist with performing a task more efficiently.
Many applications today include 'helper' features that assist users in navigating or completing tasks more easily, enhancing user experience.
Artificial intelligence systems can be designed to serve as helpers, providing support in a variety of fields from healthcare to customer service.

Translations

Translations of the word "helper" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ajudante

🇮🇳 सहायक

🇩🇪 Helfer

🇮🇩 pembantu

🇺🇦 помічник

🇵🇱 pomocnik

🇯🇵 ヘルパー

🇫🇷 assistant

🇪🇸 ayudante

🇹🇷 yardımcı

🇰🇷 도우미

🇸🇦 مساعد

🇨🇿 pomocník

🇸🇰 pomocník

🇨🇳 助手

🇸🇮 pomočnik

🇮🇸 aðstoðarmaður

🇰🇿 көмекші

🇬🇪 დამხმარე

🇦🇿 köməkçi

🇲🇽 ayudante

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,134, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
11131 barbarous
11132 elemental
11133 stratified
11134 helper
11135 waiter
11136 interposed
11137 vigilance
...