An attendant is a person who assists or serves others. The term is often used in the context of healthcare, hospitality, and transportation industries. Attendants can be found in hospitals, hotels, airports, and other public places where they provide services to people.
Definitions
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, an attendant is “one who attends another to perform a service.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines an attendant as “a person who is employed to provide a service or perform a particular task.”
Origin
The word attendant comes from the Old French word “attendre,” which means “to wait.” The word was first used in English in the 14th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The Cambridge Dictionary defines an attendant as “someone whose job is to be in a particular place and help visitors or customers.” The Collins English Dictionary defines an attendant as “a person who helps or serves others, especially in a public place.”
Associations
Attendants are often associated with services such as healthcare, hospitality, and transportation. In healthcare, attendants may assist patients with daily tasks such as bathing and dressing. In hospitality, attendants may provide room service and other amenities to hotel guests. In transportation, attendants may assist passengers on airplanes, trains, and buses.
Synonyms
Synonyms for attendant include assistant, aide, helper, and servant.
Antonyms
Antonyms for attendant include independent, unaccompanied, and unattended.
The same root words
Words with the same root as attendant include attend, attention, and attendee.
Example Sentences
- The flight attendant helped the passenger with her luggage.
- The hospital attendant assisted the nurse with patient care.
- The hotel attendant brought fresh towels to the guest’s room.
- The conference attendant helped attendees find their seats.
- The museum attendant provided information to visitors about the exhibits.