Helpfully Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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helpfully

[ˈhɛlpfəli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in a helpful manner

In a way that is useful or beneficial; providing assistance or support.

Synonyms

beneficially, supportively, usefully.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
helpfully

Indicates providing assistance in a friendly or considerate manner.

  • The staff at the reception desk answered my questions helpfully
  • She helpfully pointed out all the mistakes in my essay
usefully

Implies that something can be used effectively for a particular purpose or situation.

  • The information in the handbook can be used usefully in emergency situations
  • This tool can be usefully adapted to different tasks
beneficially

Describes an action that has a positive effect or is advantageous, often long-term.

  • Eating fruits and vegetables impacts health beneficially
  • The new policy will beneficially affect employee productivity
supportively

Context of offering encouragement or emotional support.

  • She listened supportively as he talked about his troubles
  • The team worked supportively to meet the deadline

Examples of usage

  • She answered all my questions helpfully.
  • He offered to help me carry my bags, and I accepted helpfully.
  • The teacher explained the concept helpfully, making it easier to understand.
  • I appreciate your helpfully suggestions on how to improve.
  • The customer service representative responded helpfully to my inquiry.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that being helpful can increase one's own happiness and satisfaction.
  • Acts of help have been linked to the 'helper's high,' a feeling of joy derived from helping others.

Language and Usage

  • 'Helpfully' is often used to describe advice or actions that provide clear support or benefit.
  • In writing, using 'helpfully' can indicate a tone of cooperation and positivity.

Pop Culture

  • Many characters in movies and books exemplify being helpfully, from sidekicks assisting heroes to mentors guiding protagonists.
  • The idea of being 'helpful' is celebrated in various cultures, evident in storytelling across all media.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, helping others is a key virtue and is taught from a young age as part of community life.
  • Expressions of gratitude and helpfulness vary globally; in some cultures, indirect help is preferred over direct assistance.

Origin of 'helpfully'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from 'help', which has Old English roots, meaning 'to assist or support'.
  • In Middle English, 'helpful' evolved to include adding the '-ly' suffix to denote the manner of helping.

The word 'helpfully' originated from the combination of 'help' and the suffix '-ful', which denotes 'full of' or 'characterized by'. The concept of being helpful has been valued in human interactions for centuries, as individuals strive to assist and support one another. The adverb 'helpfully' encapsulates the essence of providing aid or assistance in a positive and constructive manner, contributing to the betterment of others.


See also: helper, helpers, helpful, helpfulness, helping, helpless, helplessly, helplessness, unhelpful.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,753, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.