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Default vs Help - What's the difference?

default | help |

In lang=en terms the difference between default and help

is that default is to lose a competition by failing to compete while help is to avoid; to prevent; to refrain from; to restrain (oneself) usually used in nonassertive contexts with can .

As nouns the difference between default and help

is that default is (finance) the condition of failing to meet an obligation while help is (uncountable) action given to provide assistance; aid.

As verbs the difference between default and help

is that default is to fail to meet an obligation while help is to provide assistance to (someone or something).

default

Noun

(en noun)
  • (finance) The condition of failing to meet an obligation.
  • He failed to make payments on time and is now in default .
    You may cure this default by paying the full amount within a week.
  • (electronics, computing) the original software programming settings as set by the factory
  • A loss incurred by failing to compete.
  • The team's three losses include one default .
  • A selection made in the absence of an alternative.
  • ''The man became the leader of the group as a default .
  • * {{quote-news
  • , year=2011 , date=December 15 , author=Felicity Cloake , title=How to cook the perfect nut roast , work=Guardian citation , page= , passage=One of the darlings of the early vegetarian movement (particularly in its even sadder form, the cutlet), it was on the menu at John Harvey Kellogg's Battle Creek Sanitarium [sic], and has since become the default Sunday option for vegetarians – and a default source of derision for everyone else.}}
  • (often, attributive) A value used when none has been given; a tentative value or standard that is presumed.
  • If you don't specify a number of items, the default is 1.
  • (legal) The failure of a defendant to appear and answer a summons and complaint.
  • (obsolete) A failing or failure; omission of that which ought to be done; neglect to do what duty or law requires.
  • This evil has happened through the governor's default .
  • (obsolete) Fault; offence; wrong act.
  • * Spenser
  • And pardon craved for his so rash default .
  • * Alexander Pope
  • regardless of our merit or default

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To fail to meet an obligation.
  • If you do not make your payments, you will default on your loan.
  • To lose a competition by failing to compete.
  • If you refuse to wear a proper uniform, you will not be allowed to compete and will default this match.
  • (computing) To assume a value when none was given; to presume a tentative value or standard.
  • If you don't specify a number of items, it defaults to 1.
  • (legal) To fail to appear and answer a summons and complaint.
  • Anagrams

    * ----

    help

    English

    Etymology 1

    From (etyl), from (etyl) .

    Noun

    (en-noun)
  • (uncountable) Action given to provide assistance; aid.
  • I need some help with my homework.
  • (usually, uncountable) Something or someone which provides assistance with a task.
  • He was a great help to me when I was moving house.
    I've printed out a list of math helps .
  • Documentation provided with computer software, etc. and accessed using the computer.
  • I can't find anything in the help about rotating an image.
  • (usually, uncountable) One or more people employed to help in the maintenance of a house or the operation of a farm or enterprise.
  • The help is coming round this morning to clean.
    Most of the hired help is seasonal, for the harvest.
  • (uncountable, euphemistic) Correction of deficits, as by psychological counseling or medication or social support or remedial training.
  • His suicide attempts were a cry for help .
    He really needs help in handling customer complaints.
    ''"He's a real road-rager." / "Yup, he really needs help , maybe anger management."
    Usage notes
    The sense "people employed to help in the maintenance of a house" is usually an uncountable mass noun. A countable form - "a hired help''", "''two hired helps " - is attested, but now less common.
    Synonyms
    * (action given to provide assistance) aid, assistance * (person or persons who provide assistance) * (person employed to help in the maintenance of a house)
    Derived terms
    * cry for help * help desk * helpful * helpless * helpline * helply * helpmate * helpmeet * helpsome * home help * self-help

    Etymology 2

    From (etyl) helpen, from (etyl) . Cognate with (etyl) .

    Verb

  • To provide assistance to (someone or something).
  • * {{quote-magazine, date=2013-06-22, volume=407, issue=8841, page=76, magazine=(The Economist)
  • , title= Snakes and ladders , passage=Risk is everywhere.
  • To contribute in some way to.
  • To provide assistance.
  • * {{quote-book, year=1963, author=(Margery Allingham), title=(The China Governess)
  • , chapter=19 citation , passage=As soon as Julia returned with a constable, Timothy, who was on the point of exhaustion, prepared to give over to him gratefully. The newcomer turned out to be a powerful youngster, fully trained and eager to help , and he stripped off his tunic at once.}}
  • * {{quote-magazine, date=2013-06-29, volume=407, issue=8842, page=72-3, magazine=(The Economist)
  • , title= A punch in the gut , passage=Mostly, the microbiome is beneficial. It helps with digestion and enables people to extract a lot more calories from their food than would otherwise be possible. Research over the past few years, however, has implicated it in diseases from atherosclerosis to asthma to autism.}}
  • To avoid; to prevent; to refrain from; to restrain (oneself). Usually used in nonassertive contexts with can .
  • Usage notes
    * Use 3 is often used in the imperative mood as a call for assistance. * In uses 1, 2 and 3, this is a catenative verb that takes the to infinitive . It can also take the bare infinitive with no change in meaning. * In use 4, can't help is a catenative verb that takes the gerund (-ing) or, with but, the bare infinitive. * For more information, see
    Synonyms
    * (provide assistance to) aid, assist, come to the aid of, help out * (contribute in some way to) contribute to * (provide assistance) assist
    Derived terms
    * a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down * can't help * helper * helping * help oneself * help out