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 contract covers engineering, technical assistance, technology integration, supply-chain development, workforce training and digital transformation initiatives. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026

Other requests for assistance were still waiting months later. — Dana R. Fisher, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026

The organization provides financial assistance, mentorship, leadership development and professional connections to help young people overcome barriers and build successful careers. — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2026

Energy assistance funds typically are paid out in three payments — a base level of $355 to $705, depending on need, followed by two crisis payments of up to $430 each. — Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 14 Oct. 2026

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