assistance

assistance, help

noun ah-sees-TAHNS Rare

Origin: French assister + -ance

Also means

audience, those present

Usage Note

Assistance can mean help or support (prêter assistance, to render assistance) but also the audience or people attending an event (l'assistance a applaudi, the audience applauded). The phrase assistance publique refers to public welfare services. The verb assister à means to attend, not to assist.

Examples

"L'assistance a écouté en silence."

Natural Translation

The audience listened in silence.

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