assistance

noun

as·​sis·​tance ə-ˈsi-stən(t)s How to pronounce assistance (audio)
: 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?]

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 number of calls to Stimpson’s office seeking wildlife assistance has reached a record high of 563 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023. Louis Sahagún, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2024 Many companies, Shapiro notes, are integrating driver assistance platforms. James Raia, The Mercury News, 17 Mar. 2024 The sea route is intended to bring more assistance to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the enclave five months into the war between Israel and Hamas. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 17 Mar. 2024 People need to be able to deliver assistance without getting killed. CBS News, 17 Mar. 2024 Footprint Center lost and found Contact a Footprint Center staff member for assistance. Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 15 Mar. 2024 One Saturday a month for the next few months, the IRS will be staffing a Taxpayer Assistance Centers in downtown San Diego for in-person assistance with tax account issues. Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2024 The company also took over a lucrative rental assistance contract with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Journal Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2024 Carmakers argue vehicles equipped with these partially autonomous tools, collectively referred to as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are a win-win, offering drivers both convenience and added safety, especially during long trips where fatigue sets in. Popular Science, 13 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'assistance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of assistance was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near assistance

Cite this Entry

“Assistance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assistance. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

assistance

noun
as·​sis·​tance ə-ˈsis-tən(t)s How to pronounce assistance (audio)
: the act of assisting
also : the help given

More from Merriam-Webster on assistance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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