Assistant
/əˈsɪstənt/
Definitions
2 meaningsA person who provides support or help to another person.
/əˈsɪstənt/
A person who helps or supports someone else.
The shop assistant helped me find the right size.
💡 Simply: Someone who helps.
More Examples
My research assistant collected the data.
How It's Used
"She's the executive assistant to the CEO."
"The teaching assistant helped the students with their projects."
Providing help or support
/əˈsɪstənt/
Giving assistance or support.
Assistant devices can improve quality of life.
💡 Simply: Helping
How It's Used
"Assistant devices are used to help patients with disabilities."
From Old French *assistant, present participle of assister "to assist," from Latin assistere "to stand by, assist."
The word's usage has remained relatively consistent throughout history, primarily referring to someone who provides help or support.
Memory tip
Think of 'assist' - to help, and 'ant' - adding to the action