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

Professionalism and high standards remain non-negotiable, but much of that responsibility is shared with his assistants - Lou Meadows, Louis Deacon and Sarah Hunter - young coaches still at the start of their coaching journeys.

From BBC

In contact with the bench by walkie-talkie, it was also the communication with his assistants, the sports scientist, the physio and the fitness coach that Allardyce saw the value in.

From BBC

Coyle replaces Malloe, a universally beloved and respected assistant who left the team last week as part of what was described as a mutual parting of the ways after the team’s disappointing start.

From Los Angeles Times

Daniel Deacon, assistant professor of law at the University of Michigan, says that the FCC can effectively stop corporate mergers by denying the transfer of broadcast licences to the new owners.

From BBC

"The hairdressers, the make-up artists, lots of assistants, even the location itself. You're making that whole element redundant."

From BBC

Related Words

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