Helpful

ˈhelpfəl

adjectiveBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

1

Providing assistance or support.

ˈhelpfəl

adjectivepositiveBeginner
General

She offered helpful advice to her friend.

💡 Simply: Being helpful is like being a superhero! It's when you do something nice for someone else, like giving them directions, carrying their bags, or just being a good listener. It's all about making someone's day a little bit better.

👶 For kids: Being helpful means being kind and doing things to make other people's lives easier.

More Examples

2

The instructions were helpful and easy to follow.

3

A helpful neighbor assisted with the groceries.

How It's Used

General

"The librarian was very helpful in finding the information I needed."

Customer Service

"The customer service representative was helpful and resolved my issue quickly."

Idioms & expressions

helpful hint

A piece of advice or information that helps you do something.

"The instructor gave a helpful hint about how to solve the problem."

be of help

To assist or be useful.

"I'm here to be of help if you need anything."

From Middle English helpen (to help) + -ful (full of).

The word 'helpful' has been in use since the late 16th century, evolving from 'help' and its related forms.

Memory tip

Think of a person who always *helps* others; they are *helpful*.

helpfull

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written