Definition

1. Verb:
   • To assist someone, especially in a time of need or with a specific task: "help out" means to provide assistance or support, often temporarily or in a specific circumstance where help is required.

Usage

• "Help out" is a phrasal verb. It is commonly used in informal contexts.
• It often implies assisting with a particular job, chore, or during a busy period. The assistance is usually practical and hands-on.
• It can be used with or without an object.
  • With an object: to help someone out.
  • Without an object: to help out (the person being helped is understood from context).

Examples

• Verb:
  • I often help out at the local food bank on weekends.
  • Could you help me out with this heavy box?
  • She's always willing to help out when we're short-staffed.
  • My neighbor helped out by watering my plants while I was away.

Advanced Usage

• "to help out a friend": to assist a friend in need.
  • He helped out a friend who was moving to a new apartment.
• "to help out with the costs": to provide financial assistance.
  • Her parents helped out with the costs of her education.

Variants and Related Words

• Help (verb): to make it easier for someone to do something by offering one's services or resources. ("Help" is more general than "help out".)
• Assist (verb): to help someone, typically in a formal or official capacity.
• Lend a hand (idiom): to help someone, especially with a physical task.
  • Several people lent a hand to clean up after the event.

Synonyms

• Aid: to provide support or assistance.
• Pitch in: to join others and help with an activity.
• Support: to give assistance or encouragement.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Help out is itself a phrasal verb. Other phrasal verbs with "help" are less common, but "help out" is the primary one indicating specific, often temporary, assistance.

Related Idioms

• To be a great help: to be very useful or provide significant assistance.
  • Your advice was a great help.
• To help someone out of a jam: to help someone escape from a difficult situation.
  • Thanks for helping me out of that jam with my car.

Verb

1. be of help, as in a particular situation of need
   • Can you help out tonight with the dinner guests?