Basic Details
Word: Helplessly
Part of Speech: Adverb
Meaning: In a way that shows inability to help oneself or take action.
Synonyms: Powerlessly, defenselessly, incapable
Antonyms: Confidently, strongly, capable
Idioms and Phrases
- At sixes and sevens: This means to be in a state of confusion or disorder, often feeling helpless. Example: "After the big storm, the town was at sixes and sevens, and many felt helplessly lost."
- Hand in glove: This phrase means to be in a very close and harmonious relationship, often implying that one side may feel helpless without the other. Example: "The two friends worked hand in glove, and when one felt helpless, the other was always there to help."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The puppy looked helplessly at the tall fence, unable to find a way to get over it.
Example 2: She stood helplessly by as her friend struggled to carry the heavy boxes.
Example 3: The child watched helplessly while the rain ruined their picnic plans.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "helpless" originates from Middle English, where it was originally spelled as "helpless," combining "help" with the suffix "-less," meaning "without"? This shows that the word has been around for many centuries!
Famous Quote
"Sometimes, it is okay to feel helpless; it reminds us to reach out and seek help." Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "helplessly" mean?
a) In a powerful manner
b) In a way that shows inability to help oneself
c) In a joyful way
d) In a caring manner
Answer: b) In a way that shows inability to help oneself
2. Which of these is a synonym of "helplessly"?
a) Confidently
b) Powerlessly
c) Skillfully
d) Joyfully
Answer: b) Powerlessly
3. What is an antonym of "helplessly"?
a) Powerlessly
b) Capably
c) Defenselessly
d) Safely
Answer: b) Capably
4. Which sentence uses "helplessly" correctly?
a) The kitten played helplessly with the yarn.
b) The runner sprinted helplessly to the finish line.
c) She watched helplessly as the storm damaged her garden.
d) He helped his friend helplessly with the project.
Answer: c) She watched helplessly as the storm damaged her garden.
5. Which idiom means to feel helpless?
a) Hand in glove
b) At sixes and sevens
c) To beat around the bush
d) To have a whale of a time
Answer: b) At sixes and sevens
