Word
assistance
Phoneticsas·sis·tance, stress on the second syllable
US/əˈsɪstəns/
UK/ɐsˈɪstəns/
日本語手伝い※
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. help or support that you give to someone. You use this word in more formal situations, like at work or in a store.
n. the provision of help or support to facilitate the completion of a task. Often used in formal or professional contexts as a more elevated synonym for 'help'.
Examples
“Please let me know if you need any assistance with your bags.”
“The local government provided financial assistance to small businesses affected by the recent floods.”
“Technical assistance is available around the clock to ensure that any software disruptions are resolved before they impact the company's global operations.”
Examples
simple
“Please let me know if you need any assistance with your bags.”
contextual
“The local government provided financial assistance to small businesses affected by the recent floods.”
complex
“Technical assistance is available around the clock to ensure that any software disruptions are resolved before they impact the company's global operations.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “assistance” in context.
Verb
01. provide assistance
“The local government will provide assistance to families affected by the flood.”
verb + noun
02. receive assistance
“Many small businesses receive financial assistance from the state during economic crises.”
verb + noun
03. require assistance
“Please press the call button if you require assistance with your luggage.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. technical assistance
“Our team offers 24/7 technical assistance to help you resolve software issues.”
adj + noun
05. assistance to people
06. assistance to areas
Usage
Typically functions as an uncountable noun; it is rarely used in the plural form 'assistances'.
Pitfall
I need an assistance
I need some assistance
Assistance is uncountable and cannot be used with the indefinite article 'an'.
Real-World Examples
“Fourteen drivers were fined €250 each for refusing to carry an assistance or guide dog, and four others were fined for the same amount for refusing to carry a passenger in a wheelchair.” “While waiting for your new flight, the airline must provide assistance, as well as food and drink.” “The UN on Wednesday continued scaling up assistance to areas affected by the deadly earthquake that hit Colombia two days earlier.” Etymology
From Middle English assistance, from Middle French assistance, from Medieval Latin assistentia, from Latin assistō (“to stand at”). By surface analysis, assist + -ance.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/assistance
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0