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Synonyms

helpful

American  
[help-fuhl] / ˈhɛlp fəl /

adjective

  1. giving or rendering aid or assistance; of service.

    Your comments were very helpful.

    Synonyms:
    advantageous, beneficial, convenient, useful
    Antonyms:
    inconvenient, useless

helpful British  
/ ˈhɛlpfʊl /

adjective

  1. serving a useful function; giving help

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of helpful

First recorded in 1300–50; help + -ful

Explanation

If you are inclined to assist others in any situation, you are a helpful person. Your actions can also be called helpful, like your helpful habit of doing the dishes every night. If you want to be helpful, you find ways to make things easier for others, like holding the door for them. Things can also be helpful — maps, cell phones, dictionaries, and holders for wet umbrellas. Taking good notes and setting your alarm to go off early are helpful tips for days when you have big tests. A discussion is helpful if it teaches you something new or gives you ideas for doing something better.

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Vocabulary lists containing helpful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Oddly enough, the staff are mostly nice. Mostly they are women, they are quite friendly, they will give helpful tips and they have a very good attitude toward Sasha,” Subbotina told AP by phone.

From Washington Times • Jun. 3, 2023

Do you have any helpful tips or tricks for beginner cooks looking to capture the magic of Dollywood in their home kitchen?

From Salon • Apr. 16, 2023

Carlton: I also decided to move all my most helpful tips to a Substack, and let me tell you how life-changing that has been.

From Slate • Mar. 2, 2023

Experts share helpful tips for owners of dogs experiencing separation anxiety.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 2, 2022

It has many helpful tips and can help direct the discussion and try to overcome what is usually a fear of death.

From Washington Post • May 13, 2022

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