Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

Definition of helpful adjective from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Oxford3000

helpful

adjective
helpful pronunciation English ˈhelpfl helpful pronunciation American ˈhelpfl
 
1 able to improve a particular situation
Synonym
useful
helpful advice/information/suggestionsSorry I can't be more helpful.helpful (for somebody) (to do something) It would be helpful for me to see the damage for myself.You may find it helpful to read this before making any decisions.helpful in doing something Role-play is helpful in developing communication skills.helpful to somebody The booklet should be very helpful to parents of disabled children.
2 (of a person) willing to help somebodyI called the police but they weren't very helpful.The staff couldn't have been more helpful.She's one of the most helpful people I know.
Opposite
unhelpful
helpfully
helpfully pronunciation English ˈhelpfəli helpfully pronunciation American ˈhelpfəli
adverbShe helpfully suggested that I try the local library.
helpfulness
helpfulness pronunciation English ˈhelpflnəs helpfulness pronunciation American ˈhelpflnəs
noun [uncountable]