helpful
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of helpful
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.
Vocabulary lists containing helpful
Beowulf vocabulary
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Talk Like Shakespeare Day, List 3
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Words to Describe a Teacher
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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.
A local bank account in your new country can be helpful.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 16, 2026
Dr Hall says while it may be tempting to get involved, it is not helpful in the long term.
From BBC ● Oct. 16, 2026
Reducing screen time can be helpful, but changing how people use their smartphones may be just as important for protecting attention, sleep, and overall well-being.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 12, 2026
“Or did ya just slap some AI slop on this piece that we were so helpful with?”
From Slate ● Oct. 11, 2026
“There’s a notebook over there,” said Jake, trying to be helpful.
From "The Smartest Kid in the Universe" by Chris Grabenstein
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Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
