assistance

noun

as·​sis·​tance ə-ˈsi-stən(t)s How to pronounce assistance (audio)
Synonyms of assistance
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Newsom’s office said Thursday that the state is providing assistance to victims, family members and witnesses of the mosque shooting. Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026 Other add-ons include roadside assistance, rate lock and rideshare insurance. Liz Knueven, CNBC, 28 May 2026 As residents organize their campaign, community leader John Bellos said purchasing the park will require significant outside assistance. Sarah Horbacewicz, CBS News, 28 May 2026 To be eligible for CDBG-DR assistance under the IHP, applicants must be either low-income, which is defined as 80% or below area media income according to the number of people per household, or have an urgent need for assistance and make 120% or below area media income. Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for assistance

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Assistance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assistance. Accessed 29 May. 2026.

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

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