assistance

noun

as·​sis·​tance ə-ˈsi-stən(t)s How to pronounce assistance (audio)
: 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?]

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
State, local housing agencies and nonprofit organizations provide assistance to help reduce the upfront cost. Robert Thorpe, Newsweek, 11 Jan. 2025 The group is donating $50,000 to the Entertainment Community Fund’s LA Fire Relief Fund, which is focused on providing emergency financial assistance to entertainment industry professionals impacted by this week’s wildfires. Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 11 Jan. 2025 According to Hilton, the fund will provide cash assistance, offer short-term housing for families with little ones, deliver essentials to evacuation centers, and support local animal shelters. Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 10 Jan. 2025 Last year the fund was able to deploy $250,000 to provide critical assistance to 31 animal shelters and organizations across multiple states in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for assistance 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of assistance was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near assistance

Cite this Entry

“Assistance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assistance. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

assistance

noun
as·​sis·​tance ə-ˈsis-tən(t)s How to pronounce assistance (audio)
: the act of assisting
also : the help given

More from Merriam-Webster on assistance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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