What does "assisting" mean?

1. (helping someone) helping someone to do a job or task. 2. (the act of help) the act of giving help or support. 3. (helpful) providing help or acting as a support.

How do you use "assisting"?

Often followed by 'with' or 'in'.

assisting

v. · n. · adj.

US //əˈsɪstɪŋ// UK //ɐsˈɪstɪŋ// as·sist·ing

1 helping someone (v.)
B1 Intermediate

helping someone to do a job or task.

the present participle of 'assist', used to describe the act of providing help or support to a person or process.

Example

She is currently assisting the doctor with the new patients.

Example

The legal team is assisting the lead counsel in preparing the complex documentation required for the upcoming trial.

Usage

Often followed by 'with' or 'in'.
- hindering
- obstructing
2 the act of help (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the act of giving help or support.

the gerund form of 'assist', used as a noun to refer to the provision of aid or support.

Example

Assisting others can be a very rewarding experience.

Example

The policy focuses on assisting small businesses through low-interest loans and professional mentorship programs.
- hindrance

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3 helpful (adj.)
C2 Proficiency Archaic

providing help or acting as a support.

functioning as an auxiliary or helpful agent; this usage is largely replaced by 'assistant' or 'auxiliary' in modern contexts.

Example

The assisting forces arrived just in time to help the village.

Example

In the old records, he was described as an assisting member of the local council, though his specific duties remained unclear.

Teacher's tip

This adjective sense is archaic; modern speakers should use 'assistant' (e.g., an assistant manager) instead.