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 of assistance

• 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 hotline, which offers assistance in English and Spanish, can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). —Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 5 Dec. 2025

Extending assistance to children braving learning hindrances, such as ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), dyslexia, and executive dysfunction, the program aims to offer support to the aspiring young scholars in need. —Nia Bowers, USA Today, 4 Dec. 2025

At the same time, Doss ran to a classroom nearby to get another teacher’s assistance, the outlet reported. —Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 4 Dec. 2025

Percentage In terms of indirect assistance for Taiwan, support for providing it with more military equipment rose even more sharply, to 71 percent of respondents compared with 56 percent last year. —Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 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