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

• assist
• support
• help
• boost
• aid
• encouragement

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

The spry assistance of stagehands, who not only move set pieces but help flesh out the world of the play, is a jaunty touch. —Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025

This bill puts the American people first by providing assistance to those in need while doing right by hardworking taxpayers. —Brooke L. Rollins, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025

Ulta Beauty has started an external search for a permanent successor with the assistance of an executive search firm. —Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 27 June 2025

Create your company’s chart of accounts Establishing your chart of accounts is a critical set-up step that some experts suggest is best done with the assistance of a professional. —Mia Taylor, CNBC, 27 June 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