Learn about the difference between the homophones: aid, aide and ade

Definitions

aid

Aid is a noun that refers to help or support given to someone in need. It can also be used as a verb meaning to provide assistance.

Example

The Red Cross provides aid to disaster victims.

Example

I offered to aid my neighbor with her groceries.

aide

Aide is a noun that refers to a person who assists someone, especially in an official capacity.

Example

The president's aide handed him the speech.

Example

The teacher's aide helped the students with their assignments.

ade

Ade is a suffix that is added to a fruit name to indicate a sweetened drink made from that fruit.

Example

I made some lemonade and limeade for the party.

Example

Have you ever tried cherryade?

Tips To Remember the Differences

Here are a few tips to easily distinguish the difference between these words while keeping in mind the description we've provided:

- To remember the difference between aid and aide, think of aid as a general term for help or support, while aide refers to a specific person who provides assistance. - To remember ade, think of it as a suffix that indicates a sweetened fruit drink.