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 Words From

• nonas·sistant noun
• unas·sistant 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

And Buettner was the expedition leader, securing funding, organizing the trips, and managing a team of photographers and assistants.

From Science Magazine

"Studying ancient DNA lets us reach back in time, tracking evolutionary changes directly in historical populations," said lead researcher Vagheesh Narasimhan, assistant professor of integrative biology and statistics and data sciences at UT Austin.

From Science Daily

"In humans, men and women exhibit distinct sleep patterns, often attributed to lifestyle factors and caregiving roles," said senior author Rachel Rowe, assistant professor of integrative physiology.

From Science Daily

Jesse Minter, who was a defensive assistant for four years in Baltimore and won a national championship last year as Michigan’s defensive coordinator, became the Chargers’ coordinator.

From Los Angeles Times

The challenges, Carroll noted, might come off the field because nearly all NFL coaches start families as college or pro assistants, before they ascend to the top job.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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