assistant
Pluralassistants
Pluralassistants
- 1A person who helps someone with their work or daily tasks.
Like a helper who works beside you and shares some of your jobs.
The doctor's assistant booked all the appointments.
She hired an assistant to help with emails and travel plans.
UsageSay her assistant or assistant to the boss. The help itself is assistance.
- 2Helping someone or something, often in a job that ranks below someone else's.
Like being second in line, helping the person in charge.
He took an assistant role at the new company.
The assistant coach ran the practice today.
UsageAn assistant manager is a lower-ranking manager; a manager's assistant is a helper.
Similardeputy
Note
- 3A computer program that helps you do a task, such as one that guides you step by step.
Like a guide who walks you through each step until the job is done.
The setup assistant walked me through installing the printer.
I asked the voice assistant on my phone to set an alarm for six.
UsageOften in names like voice assistant and setup assistant.
Similarwizard
- 4A worker in a shop who helps customers and sells things.
Like the worker at a store who helps you find things and takes your money.
An assistant at the till helped us find a smaller size.
She works as a sales assistant at a clothing shop in town.
UsageOften shop assistant or sales assistant. Just assistant is fine inside a shop.
Similarclerk, salesperson, salesclerk
Less common meaning
- 5A person who is there to watch when something happens.
Note
Showing meanings only.
Practice
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Origin
It came into Middle English from Middle French assistant, from assister. You can also see it as assist + -ant.
Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 2 facts
- The word entered Middle English from Middle French assistant, derived from assister. en.wiktionary.org
- The word can be analysed as assist + -ant. en.wiktionary.org