assistant
uh-SIHS-tuhnt
Assistant (noun) means a person who helps someone else with their work. Example: “Her assistant scheduled all of her meetings.”
noun
1
A person who helps someone else with their work.
"Her assistant scheduled all of her meetings."
"The shop assistant helped me find a coat in my size."
"My assistant books the rooms whenever I travel for work."
adj
1
Holding a supporting or secondary role beneath a more senior position.
"He was recently promoted to assistant manager."
"The assistant coach shouted advice from the side of the pitch."
"She works as an assistant editor at a small publishing house."
How to use assistant
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who helps another person do their job, or a job title that ranks just below the main role.
Common pairings
personal assistant
assistant manager
teaching assistant
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Word forms
- Plural
- assistants
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Her _____ scheduled all of her meetings.
Etymology
From Middle French assistant, from "assister" ("to assist"), ultimately from Latin assistere.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for assistant
See all rhymes for assistant →Frequently asked questions
What does “assistant” mean?
The word “assistant” means a person who helps someone else with their work. In plain terms, someone who helps another person do their job, or a job title that ranks just below the main role.
How do you pronounce “assistant”?
“Assistant” is pronounced uh-SIHS-tuhnt (/əˈsɪstənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “assistant” in a sentence?
Here is “assistant” used in a sentence: “Her assistant scheduled all of her meetings.”
What part of speech is “assistant”?
Depending on how it is used, “assistant” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “assistant” come from?
The word “assistant” comes from Latin. From Middle French assistant, from "assister" ("to assist"), ultimately from Latin assistere.
Is “assistant” a common word?
“Assistant” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “assistant” have?
“Assistant” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who helps someone else with their work.
What is the difference between an assistant and a secretary?
An assistant helps someone with their work in a broad sense, which can include projects, research, and decisions. A secretary traditionally focuses on clerical tasks like scheduling, correspondence, and record-keeping. The roles overlap, and titles such as "personal assistant" have largely replaced "secretary" in many modern workplaces.
What are the types of assistant?
Common kinds include a personal assistant who supports an individual, an administrative assistant who handles office tasks, a teaching assistant who supports a teacher, and a shop or sales assistant who helps customers. There are also virtual assistants — both remote human workers and software tools like Siri or Alexa.
What does an assistant do?
An assistant supports another person so they can work more effectively, taking on tasks such as organising schedules, handling paperwork, answering queries, and preparing materials. The exact duties depend on the field, but the core role is always the same: to help someone else get their work done.
Is "assistant" a junior role?
Often, but not always. Many assistant roles are entry-level or supporting positions, yet the word also appears in senior titles like "assistant director" or "assistant manager," where it means second-in-command rather than a beginner. Context and the full job title tell you how senior the position really is.
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