Basic Details
Word: Assistance
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Help or support given to someone.
Synonyms: help, aid, support, backing
Antonyms: hindrance, obstruction
How to Spell Assistance
Syllables: as - sis - tance
Tricky part: Two s's, then one s, then -tance: as-sis-tance. The ending is -ance, not -ence.
Watch out for: assistence, asistance, assisstance
Memory tip: An assistant gives assistance: both words have an a after the t. If you can spell assistant, change the t at the end to ce.
Usage Examples
Example 1: The old man at the ticket counter needed assistance with the online form.
Example 2: With a little assistance from the coach, Arjun fixed his bowling action.
Example 3: The state government announced financial assistance for farmers hit by the drought.
Fun Fact
On Indian Railways, passengers can call the helpline number 139 for assistance with enquiries and complaints.
Practise the CREST Way
Spell-o-Spell
Three words in the list are spelt correctly and one is misspelt. Choose the meaning of the misspelt word.
1. patience 2. assistence 3. tolerance 4. guidance
a) the ability to wait calmly without getting upset
b) willingness to accept views different from one's own
c) help given to someone who needs it
d) advice on what to do or how to decide
Show answer
c) help given to someone who needs it. An assistant gives assistance, so the ending is -ance; guidance, tolerance and patience are all correct as written.
Word Connection
Choose the antonym of the word assistance as used in the sentence:
With some assistance from her older brother, Tara finished the model volcano in time.
a) support
b) help
c) guidance
d) hindrance
Show answer
d) hindrance. Help, support and guidance are other ways of saying assistance, while a hindrance gets in the way.
Word Cookie
Insert the correct pair of letters to complete the word:
as_is_ance
a) s, t
b) c, t
c) z, t
d) s, s
Show answer
a) s, t. As-sis-tance: the first gap doubles the s, and the second gap is the t of assist.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. If you need assistance in a big shopping mall, the best place to go is ____.
a) the car park
b) the lift
c) the exit door
d) the help desk
Show answer
d) the help desk
2. To come to someone's assistance is to ____.
a) follow them home
b) copy their work
c) go and help them
d) ask them for money
Show answer
c) go and help them
