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

These organizations provide critical services, including support for human trafficking survivors, shelter for families escaping domestic violence, and financial assistance to women facing breast cancer. —News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 May 2025

There were several bills in the state House and Senate providing financial assistance to charter schools, now referred to as schools of hope. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2025

Go into its gang-run projects, offer the shot callers something of value, and ask for their assistance making the streets safer for schoolkids and grandmas, their own included. —Paul Solotaroff, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2025

For current borrowers, the plan offers new terms based on the adjusted gross income of the borrower, provides balance assistance and allows for the chance to rehabilitate their loan again. —Matt Fleming, Oc Register, 10 May 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