succor

USAGE SUMMARY

"succor" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a verb meaning to offer help or relief in a difficult situation. For example, "When the hurricane hit, aid workers quickly arrived to succor the victims."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a culture increasingly beholden to euphemism and the self-serving denial of objective reality, I often find myself turning to the works of the people on this list for succor and inspiration.

Britannica

Athletic or artistic ability is not necessarily a genetic trait, but translation and succor of Russian literary all-stars seems to run in Lowenfeld's family.

The New Yorker

The first commoner to ascend the British throne was Elizabeth Wydeville, a war widow who is said to have waylaid Edward IV during a deer hunt in Whittlebury Forest, falling to her knees beneath an oak tree and begging succor for her two young sons.

The New Yorker

In one of the new poems, the beautiful one "Is It Still the Same," you portray a young woman at a desk, and you seem to imply a hope that you will have been able to give something to that young woman, to have altered the poetic tradition in your own country in a way that might be able to succor her or lift her up in her resolve.

The New Yorker

It offers succor to late bloomers still unpublished well into their late twenties.

The New Yorker

"The rebels try and assist the civilians, and in return the civilians give succor to the rebels," he said.

The New Yorker

Producers, who live or die on the accuracy of their reading of the public mood, have registered the current climate of fear and exploited our need for succor.

The New Yorker

Worse, Cameron and his government suggested that asking hard questions about evidence, international law, and what exactly a military attack could accomplish — the sort of inquiry missing before Iraq — was a cowardly, morally inferior response to the horrible pictures from Syria, even a complicit one: "A lot of the arguments over this could give succor to the régime," a spokesman for Cameron said.

The New Yorker

But the one that gave me true succor was a passage from Alice B. Toklas's cookbook.

The New Yorker

The site ultimately provides succor to moms who cannot relate to our culture's mawkish notions of motherhood.

The New Yorker

I can't imagine someone who couldn't find some succor or beauty here.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "succor" to convey a sense of providing timely and crucial assistance, especially in situations involving distress or adversity. It adds a layer of depth and empathy to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "succor" in overly casual contexts. Its formal tone and association with serious situations can make it sound out of place if used inappropriately.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "succor" is both as a noun, referring to aid or assistance, and as a verb, meaning to give assistance. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts describing the act of providing relief during hardship. Ludwig AI confirms that "succor" is a correct and usable word in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Succor" is a versatile word that functions as both a noun and a verb, signifying aid and the act of providing assistance, particularly in times of distress. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Its usage is most prevalent in News & Media and Encyclopedia contexts, indicating a formal yet accessible tone. When writing, use "succor" to add depth to descriptions of providing relief, but be mindful of its formality. Related alternatives include "aid", "assistance", and "relief". While the word is very common in English, remember to use it in appropriate contexts and replace it, when needed, with its simpler alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aid

A more general term for assistance, lacking the specific connotation of relieving distress.

assistance

Similar to "aid", but slightly more formal and less emotionally charged.

relief

Focuses on alleviating suffering or hardship, emphasizing the outcome rather than the act of helping.

support

Implies a more ongoing and sustained form of help, rather than a one-time intervention.

help

A very general term, lacking the nuance and depth of "succor".

comfort

Focuses on emotional or psychological relief, rather than material or practical assistance.

alleviation

Highlights the reduction of pain or suffering, similar to "relief" but more formal.

consolation

Specifically refers to providing comfort in times of grief or sorrow.

ministration

A formal term that emphasizes the act of serving and caring for someone in need.

benefit

A broader term that encompasses any positive outcome, not necessarily related to distress or hardship.

FAQs

How to use "succor" in a sentence?

You can use "succor" to describe providing assistance or relief to someone in distress. For example, "The organization provided "aid" and "succor" to the refugees".

What can I say instead of "succor"?

You can use alternatives like "help", "aid", or "assistance" depending on the context.

Is "succor" a verb or a noun?

"Succor" can be used as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to give assistance; as a noun, it means aid or relief.

What is the difference between "succor" and "comfort"?

"Succor" generally refers to providing practical help or relief in a difficult situation, while "comfort" focuses more on emotional support and consolation.