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

Nichushkin cleared the protocols of Stage 3 of the NHL player assistance program, ending his six-month suspension. —Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024

Tuesday's deadline was set by Washington for Israel to meet a host of requirements aimed at boosting aid into Gaza or face restrictions on U.S. military assistance, as required under U.S. law. —Chantal Da Silva, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024

The gross margin slightly decreased due to higher growth in financial assistance programs. —Quartz Bot, Quartz, 12 Nov. 2024

With a split council and an absent Spencer, Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft made a final statement that urged Spencer to seek assistance for substance use and mental health in the wake of the Oct. 18 incident. —Chase Hunter, The Mercury News, 8 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