Aide

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /eɪd/

Definitions

1. A person who assists another by helping with duties or tasks
2. Someone who supports another, often in an official or professional role
3. An individual providing help or support to carry out responsibilities

Etymology: "Aide" arrived in English from French, where "aide" meant "aid" or "assistant." The French word is closely tied to "aid" itself, which reached English from Old French "aider," meaning to help. The shortened form "aide" is most familiar from the longer phrase "aide-de-camp," a French term for a field assistant who carried orders and messages for a senior officer. English speakers borrowed the short form and used it for any personal helper, so a modern aide is often a staff member working directly for a politician, officer, or executive.

Synonyms: assistant, helper, supporter

Antonyms: opponent, adversary