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

However, while the chatbots of yesterday could only produce responses to frequently asked questions based on pre-programmed scripts, those powered by generative AI use natural language processing and machine learning to provide real-time assistance to customers. —Sailesh Sewpaul, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025

Then there’s also Honda Sensing 360+, which includes ADAS technologies like active cruise control, pre-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, parking assistance, and a 360-degree panoramic camera system. —New Atlas, 12 Mar. 2025

Those traveling to front line regions or Ukraine's border with Belarus may be exposed to Russian and Belarusian military and security presence, active ground combat, frequent shelling, missile and drone attacks, and limitations on the Embassy's ability to provide assistance. —Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025

At least 10 local agencies were set to get a portion of the funding, which would ultimately provide housing assistance to more than 1,500 people in the Richmond region, per Homeward's news release. —Karri Peifer, Axios, 12 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for assistance

• consistence
• desistance
• existence
• insistence
• persistence
• resistance
• subsistence
• coexistence
• nonexistence
• distance
• magnetoresistance

Kids Definition

assistance

noun

as·​sis·​tance ə-ˈsis-tən(t)s 

: the act of assisting

also : the help given