Helpful: meaning, definitions and examples

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helpful

[ˈhɛlpfəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in a positive context

Giving or ready to give help. Providing useful assistance; beneficial.

Synonyms

aiding, beneficial, supportive, useful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
helpful	This word is used to describe someone or something that provides assistance in general situations. She was very helpful during the meeting. The instructions were helpful in completing the project.
useful	This term is used to describe something that has a practical function or can be used to achieve a purpose. This tool is useful for fixing bicycles. She found the online tutorials very useful.
beneficial	This word is used to describe something that has a positive effect or is good for a person or situation. Regular exercise is beneficial for your health. The new policy will be beneficial to small businesses.
supportive	Used to describe a person or group that provides emotional or practical support. Her family is very supportive of her career choice. The teacher was supportive of his students' efforts.
aiding	Typically used in formal or legal contexts to describe assistance, often with a focus on active help or intervention. The organization is aiding disaster relief efforts. He was charged with aiding and abetting a crime.

Examples of usage

Her advice was very helpful in solving the problem.
The guide provided helpful information for the tourists.
The supportive community was always helpful in times of need.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

in a positive context

In a way that is useful or beneficial.

Synonyms

beneficially, supportively, usefully.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
helpful	When describing someone or something that provides assistance or makes a situation easier. The guide was very helpful during our trip. Her advice was extremely helpful in completing the project.
usefully	Applies to something done in a practical or effective manner, ensuring that it fulfills a function well; often related to tools, information, or tasks. The new software was usefully designed for ease of use. He provided the information very usefully during the meeting.
supportively	Describes an action or demeanor that shows support, encouragement, or assistance, often emotionally or morally. She nodded supportively as he spoke. The team members worked supportively to help each other succeed.

Word

Description / Examples

helpful

When describing someone or something that provides assistance or makes a situation easier.

The guide was very helpful during our trip.
Her advice was extremely helpful in completing the project.

usefully

Applies to something done in a practical or effective manner, ensuring that it fulfills a function well; often related to tools, information, or tasks.

The new software was usefully designed for ease of use.
He provided the information very usefully during the meeting.

supportively

Describes an action or demeanor that shows support, encouragement, or assistance, often emotionally or morally.

She nodded supportively as he spoke.
The team members worked supportively to help each other succeed.

Examples of usage

She always speaks very calmly and helpfully during our meetings.
The instructions were laid out clearly and helpfully.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'helpful' comes from the Old English 'helpan', meaning to aid or assist.
It was first used in the 14th century, depicting a person who provides assistance or support.
Combining 'help' and the suffix '-ful' emphasizes the idea of being full of assistance.

Psychology

Research shows that being helpful can boost your mood, making you feel happier and more fulfilled.
Acts of kindness, like being helpful, trigger the release of endorphins, often called the 'helper's high.'
Helping others can strengthen social ties and can lead to overall better mental well-being.

Education

In educational settings, helpful behaviors among peers promote a positive learning environment and teamwork.
Teachers often encourage helpfulness, believing it fosters empathy and cooperation among students.
Many schools implement programs to recognize and reward helpful behavior to motivate students.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, being helpful is a sign of good upbringing and moral character.
The concept of helpfulness can be seen in various idioms, such as 'a friend in need is a friend indeed,' emphasizing the value of support.
Communities often celebrate and honor those known for their helpful actions, reflecting a shared value of cooperation.

Pop Culture

Popular movies often depict characters who embody helpfulness as heroes, influencing audiences to value altruism.
Talk shows and social media campaigns frequently highlight helpfulness in everyday life, promoting a culture of giving back.
The character of Mary Poppins is famously helpful, showcasing the joy and magic in assisting others.

Translations

Translations of the word "helpful" in other languages:

🇵🇹 útil

🇮🇳 सहायक

🇩🇪 hilfreich

🇮🇩 bermanfaat

🇺🇦 корисний

🇵🇱 pomocny

🇯🇵 役に立つ

🇫🇷 utile

🇪🇸 útil

🇹🇷 yardımcı

🇰🇷 도움이 되는

🇸🇦 مفيد

🇨🇿 užitečný

🇸🇰 užitočný

🇨🇳 有用的

🇸🇮 uporaben

🇮🇸 gagnlegur

🇰🇿 пайдалы

🇬🇪 სასარგებლო

🇦🇿 faydalı

🇲🇽 útil

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,036, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

...
3033 stored
3034 preparing
3035 glory
3036 helpful
3037 conclude
3038 thereafter
3039 worship
...