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

Unlike other aid — rent or tuition assistance, utility and food vouchers, or material donations — recipients had full control over how to use this income. —Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2024

After the military takeover in Niger last July, however, the United States suspended most security assistance and information sharing. —Ruth MacLean, New York Times, 7 June 2024

In short, Aid for Women offers pregnancy tests and ultrasounds, as well as social services, including counseling, parenting courses, material resources, maternity housing, post-maternity housing, insurance assistance and referrals to other medical and social service providers — all absolutely free. —Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2024

The animal welfare organization's three-year agreement with local governments in Vietnam also includes assistance with rabies vaccinations for the country's pets, humane dog population management programs, and cracking down on dog and cat trafficking activities. —Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 6 June 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