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 program reports that sales tax also funded dozens of programs in 2025, including violence prevention, substance-use intervention, homelessness assistance, and youth support services. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2026

Following the shooting, Baker rushed Adenau to her residence, where emergency assistance was requested. — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026

There was no structural investment in the support required for farmers to transition successfully—the technical assistance and the knowledge. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2026

Her office said the council is expected to approve an initial $5 million transfer Wednesday that will provide financial assistance for businesses and households. — Austin Turner, CBS News, 28 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