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 More Hoosier parents will be eligible for child care assistance under a sweeping bill that lawmakers overwhelmingly approved Thursday. Kayla Dwyer, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Mar. 2024 There is limited government assistance and oversight for migrant services, with civil society and religious organizations often stepping in to fill gaps. Whitney Eulich, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 Mar. 2024 City officials said residents are responsible for clearing tumbleweeds off their property but could ask for assistance if the quantity is excessive. Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2024 Starling pointed to training and technical assistance in the form of oversight and guidance as tools that had been effective in other state initiatives that engaged the private sector. Jennifer Brookland, Detroit Free Press, 4 Mar. 2024 Cisco’s volunteering opportunities include everything from urban farming, and library assistance to theater programming. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 4 Mar. 2024 The program offers legal advice and information about health and education services, among other assistance. Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2024 The debate over Ukraine aid comes as a $60 billion U.S. assistance package is stalled in Congress, causing weapons and ammunition shortages on the front lines. Kate Brady, Washington Post, 3 Mar. 2024 The other is when a prosecutor requests the assistance of the attorney general’s office. Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 23 Feb. 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 19 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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