adjective
helpful
Providing useful assistance.
The librarian is helpful when I need reliable sources.
Etymology
The adjective ending describes what supplies help. Helpful therefore identifies a person, action, or item by the useful assistance it provides.
More examples
- Your tips are helpful for planning meals.
- A helpful neighbor carries the groceries upstairs.
- It is helpful to save a copy before making changes.
Forms
helpful · more helpful · most helpful
helpfully adverb — In a way that provides assistance.
helpfulness noun — The quality of providing useful assistance.
Similar words
- useful
- Emphasizes practical value rather than assistance to a person.
- supportive
- Emphasizes encouragement or emotional backing rather than practical assistance.
- beneficial
- Emphasizes a positive effect rather than direct assistance.