assistant

[uh-sis-tuhnt]

noun

1. a person who assists or gives aid and support; helper.

2. a person who is subordinate to another in rank, function, etc.; one holding a secondary rank in an office or post.

   He was assistant to the office manager.

   Synonyms: adjutant, aide

3. something that aids and supplements another.

4. a faculty member of a college or university who ranks below an instructor and whose responsibilities usually include grading papers, supervising laboratories, and assisting in teaching.

adjective

1. assisting; helpful.

2. serving in an immediately subordinate position; of secondary rank.

   an assistant coach.

assistant

/ əˈsɪstənt /

noun

1. 1. a person who assists, esp in a subordinate position

   2. ( as modifier )

      assistant manager

2. See shop assistant

adjective

1. archaic,  helpful or useful as an aid

Other Word Forms

• nonassistant noun
• unassistant adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of assistant¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English assistent, from Latin assistent-, stem of assistēns “standing by,” present participle of assistere “to stand by, help”; assist

Example Sentences

The room was always locked – only Bowie and his personal assistant had a key – so they were left undisturbed until archivists started cataloguing his belongings.

From BBC

She is one of five people - including medical doctors and the actor's assistant - who US officials say supplied ketamine to Perry, exploiting his drug addiction for profit, and leading to his overdose death.

From BBC

Google shows AI-generated summaries of search results, released an “AI mode” in search and has a virtual assistant called Gemini.

From Los Angeles Times

“There are no words to fully capture what George meant to his family, friends, colleagues, former players, and assistants — and to the world,” the family said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times

Amanda Fielding, assistant director for inclusion at North Yorkshire Council, said the change in policy over home to school transport had proved unavoidable.

From BBC

Related Words

• aide 
• apprentice 
• associate 
• attendant 
• backup 
• colleague 
• companion 
• deputy 
• friend 
• partner 
• representative 
• secretary