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assistance

uh-SIS-tuhns /əˈsɪs.təns/

nounB1TOEFLIELTS

generalformal

The provision of money, resources, or help to achieve a purpose or relieve distress.

Broad and neutral term for help; in government policy, 'public assistance' refers to safety-net programs targeting low-income citizens.

The story behind the word. From Latin 'assistere', made of 'ad-' (to) and 'sistere' (to take a stand). To give assistance originally meant physically stepping up to stand beside someone in battle or court to hold them up.

Word relationships

aid: Aid often carries an international or emergency relief connotation, whereas assistance is used for routine social or institutional support.
succor: Succor is an archaic or highly literary term for immediate relief in times of extreme distress.

hindrance: A hindrance is an obstacle that creates difficulty or delays action.
impediment: An impediment actively blocks progress or functioning.

Commonly confused with

assistance vs assistant: Assistance is the abstract noun (the help provided), whereas an assistant is the person who provides help.

Word family

assist (verb): To help or give support to.
assistant (noun): A person who helps.

Collocations

financial assistance
public assistance
humanitarian assistance
technical assistance

Idioms & expressions

lend a hand

Example sentences

"The federal agency dispatched emergency assistance to coastal communities affected by the hurricane." Disaster Relief
"Low-income families can apply for nutritional assistance programs at local community centers." Public Policy

Memory hook

ASSIST-ance = Standing beside someone to hold them UP. Standing beside.

When not to use

Avoid using to describe mandatory commercial trade exchanges.

Fun facts

In early English law, an 'assize' was a court session where citizens stood together to advise judges.