assist
verb (transitive)
UK/əˈsɪst/US/əˈsɪst/
To help someone by doing a share of the work or by providing support.
Example Sentences
She assisted her colleague in completing the project on time.
The nurse assisted the doctor during the surgery.
He asked his friend to assist him with moving the furniture.
Volunteers assisted in the cleanup efforts after the storm.
The teacher assisted the students with their assignments.
They hired a consultant to assist with the business strategy.
The software assists users in managing their tasks efficiently.
She was happy to assist anyone who needed help.
Thesaurus
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Antonyms
noun (countable)
UK/əˈsɪst/US/əˈsɪst/
A help or support that contributes to the completion of a task.
Example Sentences
He recorded an assist in the basketball game by passing the ball to the scorer.
The player's assist led to the winning goal.
She made multiple assists during the soccer match.
His assist was crucial in securing the team's victory.
The hockey player was celebrated for his outstanding assists.
They acknowledged her as the top assister in the tournament.
The quarterback's assist helped the receiver score a touchdown.
Assist records are kept to evaluate players' contributions.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
To help or lend aid, enabling someone or something to succeed.“Assist” means providing help, support, or resources so an activity or task is easier to complete. In day-to-day life, you might assist a friend by sharing relevant information, pitching in on their project, or offering hands-on help. In a more formal setting—like sports—an “assist” often refers to a player helping set up a play that leads to a goal or score. At work, assisting could include stepping in on a busy colleague’s tasks, offering subject-matter expertise, or collaborating to meet tight deadlines. The key idea is contributing something beneficial, reducing another’s workload or difficulty. Whether giving small tips or diving in actively, “assist” implies cooperative effort, easing the path to success.
Alternatives
If you need synonyms, “help,” “aid,” or “support” generally fit. “Help” is broad and informal, “aid” can sound more official or urgent, and “support” often implies ongoing encouragement or backing. “Lend a hand” is a friendly idiom for short-term assistance. In certain contexts, “facilitate” works when you’re smoothing a process without direct intervention, and “collaborate” highlights a more equal partnership. Each choice shifts emphasis from a simple act of help (“assist”) to deeper involvement, shared effort, or more formal connotations. “Assist” remains the direct, universal term for offering help in a range of scenarios, from daily chores to specialized fields like sports or medicine.
Writing
In formal or academic writing, clarify who’s assisting and how, such as, “The nurse assisted the physician by preparing the instruments,” or, “A teaching assistant helped the professor by organizing lab sessions.” If using it in instructions, specify what form the assistance takes—“Please assist the users by walking them through each form field.” In research papers or business documents, you might highlight collaborative efforts, e.g., “This tool assists managers in tracking project milestones.” Including context—why or how the assistance occurs—keeps your writing clear and purposeful, ensuring readers understand the nature of the help provided.
Casual Conversation
Among friends and family, “assist” might be used when offering basic help—“Need me to assist with the dishes?” or “Can I assist you in setting up the TV?” People also joke about “assistant roles,” like calling yourself “the official taste-tester” while cooking. In texting or group chats, saying “I can assist tomorrow morning” simply states you’ll help if needed. Sometimes synonyms like “help out” or “pitch in” feel more relaxed, but “assist” smoothly fits polite offers, especially if you don’t want to sound too casual—like at a neighbor’s house or talking to an acquaintance. Overall, it conveys a willingness to be supportive without overstepping boundaries.
Etymology
“Assist” comes from the Latin “assistere,” combining “ad-” (meaning “to”) and “sistere” (meaning “to stand”). Initially, it suggested standing by someone’s side—being present to help or support. Over centuries, Old French “assister” passed into Middle English, retaining the notion of offering help by being ready at hand. Modern usage extends from physically standing by to more abstract forms of contribution—like giving expert guidance or vital resources. Yet at its root, “assist” still reflects the idea of coming alongside another person or process, actively contributing to their effort or goal.
