aide

/eɪd/

/eɪd/

Remember that aide with an "e" at the end is a noun. It refers to a person who helps or acts as an assistant, such as a nurse's aide or a presidential aide.

The noun aide is actually a shortened form of the 17th century French phrase, aide-de-camp, which meant "camp assistant" and was the title given to the secretary of a high-ranking military officer. It was used extensively throughout the Revolutionary War, and the shortened form is considered an Americanism. Today, we apply the word aide to anyone who serves as an advisor or as an assistant.

Definitions of aide

1. noun

   someone who acts as an assistant
   synonyms: auxiliary

   types:

   nurse's aide, nursing aide

   someone who assists a nurse in tasks that require little formal training

   type of:

   assistant, help, helper, supporter

   a person who contributes to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
2. noun

   an officer who acts as military assistant to a more senior officer
   synonyms: adjutant, aide-de-camp

   types:

   adjutant general

   a general's adjutant; chief administrative officer

   type of:

   military officer, officer

   any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command