ENGLISH
REFERENCE

assistance

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //əˈsɪstəns// UK //ɐsˈɪstəns// as·sis·tance General-service

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'.


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.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English assistance, from Middle French assistance, from Medieval Latin assistentia, from Latin assistō (“to stand at”). By surface analysis, assist + -ance.

Usage

Typically functions as an uncountable noun; it is rarely used in the plural form 'assistances'.

Pitfall

I need an assistanceI need some assistanceAssistance is uncountable and cannot be used with the indefinite article 'an'.

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