noun / adjective
assistant
uh-SIS-tuhnt/əˈsɪstənt/
Someone or something serving in a helping or supporting role.
The assistant hands a shaping tool to the potter.
Etymology
An assistant is historically someone standing by or attending another person. That image of being beside people became the practical role of helping with their work.
In context
the position is titled assistant, the work is it's foundational. Without the briefing note, the meeting doesn't happen. Without the research, the policy has no teeth. >> And without the coordination, the stakeholders never agree.
More examples
- She worked as an assistant editor.
- Two assistants prepared the materials.
- He asked his assistant to arrange the meeting.
Forms
assistant · assistants
assist verb — Help someone with a task.
Similar words
- aide
- A person providing practical support.
- helper
- A broad, less formal term for someone who assists.