assistance
uh-SIHS-tuhns
Assistance (noun) means Help given to someone, or the act of helping. Example: “The charity provides financial assistance to struggling families.”
noun
1
Help given to someone, or the act of helping.
"She could not have finished the project without his assistance."
"Financial assistance is available for low-income families."
"He asked for technical assistance with the computer."
"The charity provides financial assistance to struggling families."
"Thank you for your assistance with the move."
"The staff were always ready to offer assistance to lost tourists."
How to use assistance
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHelp or support given to someone.
Common pairings
financial assistance
offer assistance
require assistance
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Word forms
- Plural
- assistances
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The charity provides financial _____ to struggling families.
Etymology
From Middle French assistance, from Medieval Latin assistentia, from "assist" plus the noun suffix "-ance".
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for assistance
See all rhymes for assistance →Frequently asked questions
What does “assistance” mean?
The word “assistance” means help given to someone, or the act of helping. In plain terms, help or support given to someone.
How do you pronounce “assistance”?
“Assistance” is pronounced uh-SIHS-tuhns (/əˈsɪs.təns/ in IPA).
How do you use “assistance” in a sentence?
Here is “assistance” used in a sentence: “The charity provides financial assistance to struggling families.”
What part of speech is “assistance”?
“Assistance” is a noun.
Where does the word “assistance” come from?
The word “assistance” comes from Medieval Latin. From Middle French assistance, from Medieval Latin assistentia, from "assist" plus the noun suffix "-ance".
Is “assistance” a common word?
“Assistance” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between assistance and help?
The two mean essentially the same thing — support given to someone. 'Assistance' is the more formal word, common in official, workplace or written contexts: 'Thank you for your assistance.' 'Help' is the everyday term and works in almost any situation. You can usually swap one for the other without changing the meaning.
What are some types of assistance?
Assistance comes in many forms: financial assistance such as grants or loans, technical assistance with equipment or software, medical assistance, legal assistance, and practical help with daily tasks. The word covers everything from a one-off helping hand to organised, ongoing support provided by a person, service or government.
Is 'assistance' formal or informal?
'Assistance' sits at the more formal end. It suits business emails, official notices and customer service — 'require assistance', 'financial assistance available'. In casual conversation most people simply say 'help'. Choosing 'assistance' lends a sentence a slightly more polished or professional tone without changing what is actually meant.
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