assist
10 synonyms and 2 antonyms for assist, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To help someone do something.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use assist
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French assister, from Latin assistere ("to stand by"), from ad- plus sistere ("to stand, cause to stand").
Full origin of assist →Frequently asked questions
What does “assist” mean?
The word “assist” means to help someone do something. In plain terms, to help someone, or (in sports) a play that sets up a teammate's score.
How do you pronounce “assist”?
“Assist” is pronounced uh-SIHST (/əˈsɪst/ in IPA).
How do you use “assist” in a sentence?
Here is “assist” used in a sentence: “A volunteer assisted the elderly man across the street.”
What is another word for “assist”?
Words with a similar meaning to “assist” include chip in, help, help out, muck in and pitch in.
What is the opposite of “assist”?
The opposite of “assist” — its antonyms — are hinder and hurt.
What part of speech is “assist”?
Depending on how it is used, “assist” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “assist” come from?
The word “assist” comes from Latin. From Old French assister, from Latin assistere ("to stand by"), from ad- plus sistere ("to stand, cause to stand").
Is “assist” a common word?
“Assist” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between assist and help?
The two are close synonyms, and in most sentences you can swap one for the other. 'Assist' is slightly more formal and often suggests playing a supporting role while someone else leads the task. 'Help' is the everyday, all-purpose word and can cover anything from a small favour to major aid.
Is 'assist' formal or informal?
Assist leans formal. It's common in professional, technical, and workplace settings, such as 'assist the manager' or 'assist with the investigation,' where it sounds precise and businesslike. In casual conversation most people simply say 'help,' which feels warmer and less official while carrying the same basic meaning.
What is an example of 'assist' in a sentence?
You might say, 'A nurse assisted the surgeon during the operation,' or 'New staff will assist customers at the checkout.' In sport, 'assist' is also a noun, a pass that directly leads to a teammate scoring. In each case, it means supporting someone in getting something done.