Assistance — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ə-ˈsi-stən(t)s/ as·sis·tance

Meaning & Definition of Assistance

Assistance (noun)

  1. the act of helping or assisting someone or the help supplied, aid

Assistance (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. an act or instance of helping

    "thank you for your assistance in helping me change my flat tire"

    similar: abetment, aid, assist, backing, boost, hand, help, helping hand, leg up, lift, support
    related: advancement, encouragement, facilitation, forwarding, furtherance, furthering, nurturance, benefaction, patronage, promotion, sponsorship, advice, care, counsel, guidance, mentoring, attendance, attention, hand-holding, service, beneficence, charity, favor, kindness, philanthropy, assuagement, palliation, relief, succor
    opposite: hindrance
    near: constraint, frustration, inhibition, interference, obstruction, repression, restraint, deterrence, discouragement

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Assistance

The most common words with a similar meaning to Assistance:

abetment, aid, assist, backing, boost, hand, help, helping hand, leg up, lift, support

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Assistance

Words with the opposite meaning of Assistance:

hindrance

Related Words for Assistance

advancement, encouragement, facilitation, forwarding, furtherance, furthering, nurturance, benefaction, patronage, promotion, sponsorship, advice, care, counsel, guidance, mentoring, attendance, attention, hand-holding, service, beneficence, charity, favor, kindness, philanthropy, assuagement, palliation, relief, succor

Near Antonyms of Assistance

constraint, frustration, inhibition, interference, obstruction, repression, restraint, deterrence, discouragement

Origin & Etymology of Assistance

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" assist:1

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Assistance

Words & Phrases Containing Assistance

public assistance, writ of assistance, come to someone's assistance, directory assistance, go on public assistance, of (any) assistance

Frequently Asked Questions about Assistance

What does "Assistance" mean?

"Assistance" means the act of helping or assisting someone or the help supplied, aid. As a noun, it is defined as: the act of helping or assisting someone or the help supplied, aid.

What is another word for "Assistance"?

Other words for "Assistance" include abetment, aid, assist, backing, boost, hand, help and helping hand. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Assistance" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Assistance"?

There are 40 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Assistance". Common alternatives include abetment, aid, assist, backing, boost, hand, help, helping hand, leg up and lift.

What is the opposite of "Assistance"?

Antonyms of "Assistance" include hindrance. Near antonyms include constraint, frustration, inhibition and interference.

How do you use "Assistance" in a sentence?

Examples of "Assistance" in a sentence: "thank you for your assistance in helping me change my flat tire".

Is "Assistance" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Assistance" is a noun.

Is "Assistance" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Assistance" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Assistance"?

"Assistance" is pronounced /ə-ˈsi-stən(t)s/ and divided into syllables as as·sis·tance.