*as·sist·ance/ə`sɪstəns; əˈsɪstəns/ n [U] formal help and support 【正式】 帮助，援助: Students receive very little financial assistance from the government. 学生得到很少的政府资助。 be of assistance (=help someone) 帮〔某人的〕忙: Can I be of any assistance, madam? 我能帮忙吗，夫人？ come to sb's assistance (=help someone who is in danger or difficulty)〔在危难时〕帮助［援助］某人