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

That support came from Winter Nights’ financial assistance program, which last year distributed $28,000 to 24 households, mostly for car repairs and rental deposits. —Kate Talerico, Mercury News, 25 Dec. 2025

Both cruise lines offer wedding packages and can provide further information and assistance to help plan your special day. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 25 Dec. 2025

The Veterinary Care Assistance Program for Seniors at Rancho Coastal Humane Society provides financial assistance, resources and support to senior pet parents (60 years and older) facing economic hardship in providing veterinary care for their pets. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Dec. 2025

Towns’ only assistance came in the form of second-year point guard Tyler Kolek, who logged 20 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. —Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 24 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