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

Chase decided to repurpose an existing golf tournament presented by his workplace, the San Diego Financial Literacy Center, to honor Keri and raise awareness and funds to provide financial and educational assistance to help make screenings available to more people. —Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Oct. 2025

State helps cover low-income residents' utility bills Wisconsin's low-income energy assistance program is now accepting applications despite federal funding uncertainty. —Francesca Pica, jsonline.com, 9 Oct. 2025

Importantly, Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s Bystander Intervention and Good Samaritan policies are designed to ensure that members feel empowered and protected when calling for medical assistance. —Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2025

Fineas Tatar, productivity expert and cofounder of the remote assistance services firm, Viva gave Fortune some tips. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Oct. 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