assistance

noun

as·​sis·​tance ə-ˈsi-stən(t)s 

: the act of helping or assisting someone or the help supplied : aid

financial and technical assistance

Can I be of any assistance? [=can I help you?]

Synonyms

• abetment
• aid
• assist
• backing
• boost
• hand
• help
• helping hand
• leg up
• lift
• support

Examples of assistance in a Sentence

Any assistance you can give me would be appreciated.

I'll be happy to provide you with whatever assistance you may need.

Recent Examples on the Web

State police troopers, with the assistance from the New Britain and Farmington Police Departments, were able to stop the vehicle. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 30 Dec. 2024

Assad escaped to Moscow with his family through the last-minute assistance of Russian President Vladimir Putin. —Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 30 Dec. 2024

On Christmas Day, Sierra reported that after nearly a week in a coma, Samy could breathe without assistance, and was able to smile, wave, and offer a thumb's up. —Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 30 Dec. 2024

Medics provide assistance, this is logical, but the context is extremely important. —Time Photo Department, TIME, 30 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English assistence, assistance, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Medieval Latin assistentia "presence, participation, guidance," going back to Late Latin, "aid," noun derivative of Latin assistent-, assistens, present participle of assistere "to take up a position near, stand by, stand by as a supporter or advocate" — more at assist entry 1

Note: In the case of both this word and assistant Modern English has chosen the French form with -a- in the suffix rather than Latin -e-.

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing assistance

• come to someone's assistance
• directory assistance
• go on public assistance
• of (any) assistance
• public assistance
• writ of assistance

Kids Definition

assistance

noun

as·​sis·​tance ə-ˈsis-tən(t)s 

: the act of assisting

also : the help given