Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary

backing:The president had the full backing of his government to negotiate a deal.

aid:He was forced to turn for aid to his former enemy.

support:The prime minister gave his full support to the government's reforms.

as|sis|tant ◆◇◇ /əs I stənt/ (assistants )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Assistant is used in front of titles or jobs to indicate a slightly lower rank. For example, an assistant director is one rank lower than a director in an organization. □  …the Assistant Secretary of Defense.

2 N‑COUNT Someone's assistant is a person who helps them in their work. □  Kalan called his assistant, Hashim, to take over while he went out.

3 N‑COUNT An assistant is a person who works in a shop selling things to customers. □  The assistant took the book and checked the price on the back cover. SYNONYMS assistant NOUN 2

helper:One table of six children had nearly as many helpers.

ally:He is a close ally of the Prime Minister.

aide:…a close aide to the Prime Minister.

as|si s|tant re f|eree (assistant referees ) N‑COUNT An assistant referee is the same as a linesman .

Assoc.Assoc. is a written abbreviation for association , associated , or associate .

as|so|ci|ate ◆◇◇ (associates , associating , associated ) The verb is pronounced /əsoʊ sie I t/. The noun and adjective are pronounced /əsoʊ siət/. 1 VERB If you associate someone or something with another thing, the two are connected in your mind. □ [V n + with ] Through science we've got the idea of associating progress with the future.

2 VERB If you are associated with a particular organization, cause, or point of view, or if you associate yourself with it, you support it publicly. □ [be V -ed + with ] I haven't been associated with the project over the last year. □ [V pron-refl + with ] The press feels the need to associate itself with the green movement.

3 VERB If you say that someone is associating with another person or group of people, you mean they are spending a lot of time in the company of people you do not approve of. □ [V + with ] What would they think if they knew that they were associating with a murderer?

4 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] Your associates are the people you are closely connected with, especially at work. □  …the restaurant owner's business associates.

5 ADJ [ADJ n] Associate is used before a rank or title to indicate a slightly different or lower rank or title. □  Mr Lin is associate director of the Institute.

as|so|ci|at|ed ◆◇◇ /əsoʊ sie I t I d/

1 ADJ If one thing is associated with another, the two things are connected with each other. □  These symptoms are particularly associated with migraine headaches.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Associated is used in the name of a company that is made up of a number of smaller companies which have joined together. □  …the Associated Press. SYNONYMS associated ADJ 1

connected:The dispute is not directly connected to the negotiations.

related:…equipment and accessories for diving and related activities.

allied:…lectures on subjects allied to health, beauty and fitness.

as|so|cia|tion ◆◆◇ /əsoʊ sie I ʃ ^ə n/ (associations )

1 N‑COUNT [oft in names] An association is an official group of people who have the same job, aim, or interest. □  …the Association of British Travel Agents. □  Research associations are often linked to a particular industry.

2 → see also housing association