helpful
English
Alternative forms
- helpfull (archaic)
- helpefull (obsolete)
Etymology
From Middle English helpful; equivalent to help + -ful.
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ˈhɛlp.fʊl/, /ˈhɛlp.fəl/
Audio (US) (file) Audio (US) (file)
Adjective
helpful (comparative more helpful, superlative most helpful)
- Furnishing help; giving aid; useful.
- a helpful clue
- a helpful person
- Antonym: unhelpful
- 1597, Jacques Guillemeau, A. M., transl., The Frenche chirurgerye, Dort: Iſaac Canin, page 48:
- […] inſtructe the yonge Chyrurgiane, becauſe that vvithout making any great delaye, he might be adiuvable & helpefull to the patient vvith theſe remedyes vvhich conſequently follovve.
Derived terms
- helpfully
- helpfulness
- unhelpful
Translations
furnishing help; giving aid; useful
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