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

Florida Highway Patrol troopers, who also provide roadside assistance, can pull over cars that fail to follow the law and issue fines. —Natalia Jaramillo, Orlando Sentinel, 30 Nov. 2024

The Chamber noted that the increases in humanitarian assistance were not sufficient to improve the population’s access to essential goods. —Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024

FAQs Is there down payment assistance available in Florida? —Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 29 Nov. 2024

In a landmark decision for the United Kingdom, British lawmakers have voted in favor of a bill that will allow terminally ill adults to end their lives with assistance in England and Wales. —Callie Patteson, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 29 Nov. 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