assistance
noun (countable)
UK/əˈsɪstəns/US/əˈsɪstəns/
Aiding in the accomplishment of a task or goal.
Example Sentences
Technical assistance was provided to help set up the new equipment.
The coach offered his assistance to improve the team's performance.
They received assistance in navigating the complex application process.
The mentor's assistance was invaluable to her career development.
He sought assistance from experts to solve the engineering problem.
Customer assistance is available 24/7 for any inquiries.
The software includes features that provide user assistance.
They requested assistance to complete the construction project on time.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
Help or support offered to lighten someone’s burden or facilitate a task.“Assistance” refers to the help or backing one provides to another—whether by sharing expertise, performing tasks, or supplying resources. In daily life, you might seek assistance in setting up a new device, lifting heavy objects, or understanding a complex form. In more formal or business contexts, “financial assistance” can mean grants, loans, or subsidies, while “technical assistance” indicates advice or troubleshooting from specialists.When you mention “assistance,” you typically highlight that the receiver benefits from reduced difficulty, time, or stress. You might say, “I need your assistance with this spreadsheet,” or “Let me offer you some assistance carrying those boxes.” The core idea is that an extra hand—or knowledge—makes the process easier. In an official or institutional setting, “assistance” might come from support services, such as IT assistance or customer assistance hotlines, guiding users through issues they can’t resolve alone. Regardless of form, “assistance” underscores collaboration, showing that two or more parties join efforts so one can complete a task or solve a problem effectively.
Alternatives
Synonyms for “assistance” vary by context. “Help” is the most general and informal. “Support” connotes an ongoing, possibly emotional dimension. “Aid” feels slightly more formal or urgent. “Back-up” can apply in casual or technical settings, and “service” might be used if there’s an official or professional capacity, like customer service. Each captures the essence of giving someone a boost or solution they lack on their own, but “assistance” often carries a polite or structured tone, suitable for personal, workplace, or institutional scenarios.
Writing
When writing about “assistance,” detail who is providing help, how it’s delivered, and why it’s necessary. For instance, a policy paper might address “financial assistance for small businesses” and specify types (loans, subsidies, grants) plus qualifications. A report on social services might note “The organization offers housing assistance to low-income families,” clarifying application processes or eligibility. In user guides or manuals, mention “technical assistance,” linking readers to hotlines, FAQ pages, or chat supports.To show the impact of assistance, include data or narratives—like success rates of assisted businesses or personal stories of how help changed someone’s situation. If writing instructions, you could direct readers to “seek assistance from team leaders” or “request IT assistance via the company portal.” This keeps your text structured, transparent, and user-focused, so readers know exactly how to obtain or provide needed help. In academic essays, you might discuss why assistance is crucial—like how teacher assistance fosters better learning outcomes. By combining definitions, examples, and reasoned arguments, your writing demonstrates that “assistance” is more than a casual courtesy: it’s a fundamental tool for enabling others, bridging gaps in skills or resources, and catalyzing progress.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, people usually say “help” more than “assistance,” but both share the same meaning. You might politely request assistance—“Could you provide some assistance with these boxes?”—perhaps sounding a bit more formal or courteous than “Can you help me?” People also chat about “needing assistance” with tasks too big or complex to handle solo, like computer issues, major home repairs, or a tricky puzzle.Friends might ask, “Any assistance you can give would be awesome,” or “I appreciate your assistance in setting up the party decorations.” These phrases highlight gratitude or a slightly more formal approach than simply saying, “Thanks for helping me out.” It can also appear in phrases like “He gave her assistance with her resume,” showing that a friend or mentor pitched in to polish up someone’s application. In typical interactions, “assistance” underscores a supportive gesture—a deliberate step to lighten someone’s load or solve their dilemma.
Etymology
“Assistance” traces back to the Latin “assistentia,” from “assistens,” meaning “helping” or “standing by.” In Middle English, it gained a sense of stepping forward to aid or stand beside someone in need. Over centuries, the word carried formal and institutional connotations—like social assistance programs or legal assistance—while staying perfectly suitable for personal, everyday contexts. The root concept remains the same: one party stands by another, offering the help required to accomplish tasks more easily or overcome challenges.
