auxiliary
adjective
UK/ɔːɡˈzɪl.i.ə.ri/US/ɑːɡˈzɪl.i.er.i/
Providing supplementary or additional help and support.
Example Sentences
The nurse took an auxiliary role in caring for the patients.
They needed some auxiliary equipment to complete the mission.
We have auxiliary staff available to assist with the project on weekends.
Her auxiliary battery pack ensured her phone never ran out of power.
In addition to the main power supply, auxiliary generators were used during the crisis, ensuring continuous electricity for the hospital.
Many small businesses rely on auxiliary services such as outsourced accounting and IT support, allowing them to focus on their core operations.
The city's auxiliary police force provides extra security during major events, freeing up regular officers to focus on other essential tasks.
Although she was hired initially for a clerical position, her auxiliary responsibilities included coordinating the entire outreach program, ensuring seamless communication between stakeholders and community members.
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noun (countable)
UK/ɔːɡˈzɪl.i.ə.ri/US/ɑːɡˈzɪl.i.er.i/
A person or group that provides additional help, support, or resources; in grammar, an auxiliary verb.
Example Sentences
He served as an auxiliary for the administrative team during the busy season.
The hospital auxiliaries volunteer their time to assist with non-medical tasks.
Our grammar teacher explained that 'do' is often used as an auxiliary in English sentences.
The auxiliary staff at the event helped guide visitors to their seats.
During wartime, many civilians joined the military as auxiliaries to support the troops with logistics and supplies.
In large-scale projects, having a well-trained auxiliary is essential for meeting tight deadlines without overburdening the main workforce.
The organization relies on a network of auxiliaries who provide specialized expertise whenever it's required, ensuring that all tasks are completed efficiently.
Because the local community was short on resources, a group of auxiliaries formed to coordinate relief efforts, distributing essential supplies and offering on-the-ground support for families in need.
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How to Use
Offering secondary help or backup, reinforcing the main system or effort.“Auxiliary” generally describes something that assists or supplements a principal component. As an adjective, you might talk about an “auxiliary motor” or “auxiliary power supply,” implying it’s there as a backup or support if the primary fails or needs help. In grammar, an “auxiliary verb” (like ‘be,’ ‘have,’ or ‘do’) supports the main verb to form tenses, moods, or voices. Sometimes, “auxiliary” is used as a noun—e.g., “She volunteers in the hospital auxiliary,” meaning a support group that assists hospital staff. In each context, “auxiliary” highlights a helping, secondary, or supplementary role that complements or eases the burden on a primary function, activity, or system.
Alternatives
Depending on the situation, synonyms like “supplementary,” “supporting,” “additional,” or “backup” can capture a similar idea. “Supplementary” underscores adding extra or optional help; “supporting” focuses on assisting the main operation; “additional” can mean simply ‘another portion’ or ‘more of something’; “backup” connotes something ready to step in if the primary fails. But “auxiliary” remains the best term for highlighting a structured secondary or helper function to the primary system or entity.
Writing
When using “auxiliary” in formal or technical writing, specify its supporting role and how it integrates with the main system or element. For example, “An auxiliary power unit supplies electricity if the main generator shuts down.” In grammar or linguistics contexts, clarify how auxiliary verbs work with principal verbs to form complex tenses—“‘Have’ is used as an auxiliary verb in perfect constructions.” If referencing community groups or volunteer organizations, mention their tasks and how they complement the core institution—“The library’s auxiliary organizes fundraising events.” By detailing the exact supportive function, you make it clear why something is characterized as ‘auxiliary.’
Casual Conversation
In everyday speech, people may remark about something being an ‘auxiliary tool’ for certain hobbies—like a spare device or a side app that makes tasks easier. “We have an auxiliary fridge in the garage,” implies an extra fridge to support the main one in the kitchen. When traveling, someone might mention “auxiliary input” in the car stereo (the aux jack) used to connect phones for music. In simpler contexts, “auxiliary” just conveys that it’s not the primary but stands ready as extra help or resource if needed. While somewhat technical, the word pops up for any backup or secondary resource, from appliances to volunteer programs.
Etymology
“Auxiliary” originates from the Latin “auxilium,” meaning “help” or “aid.” In Roman contexts, “auxiliaries” were additional troops that reinforced the main legion. Through Old French “auxiliaire,” the word entered English, maintaining that essence of providing support alongside a principal force. Over time, the concept extended to mechanical, linguistic, and organizational realms. Whether describing a backup power generator or a group assisting a core staff, “auxiliary” underscores its origin—offering assistance or reinforcement to an existing primary function.