Auxiliary

/ɔːɡˈzɪl.ɪ.ɚ.i/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A person or thing that provides assistance or support.
The auxiliary helped the primary users by providing technical support.
An auxiliary verb that is used with a main verb to form different tenses, moods, or voices.
In the sentence 'She is going to the store,' 'is' is an auxiliary verb.
adjective
Providing supplementary or additional help and support.
The auxiliary staff members were essential in assisting the teachers during the school event.
Supplementary; acting as a backup.
The company hired an auxiliary team to manage the increased workload during the holiday season.

Etymology

The term 'auxiliary' comes from the Latin 'auxiliaris', meaning 'helping, assisting'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

auxiliary verb
A verb used to help another verb form a tense or mood.
auxiliary police
A group of volunteers who assist the regular police force.
auxiliary engine
An additional engine used to provide power in case the main engine fails.

Related Words

assist
To help or aid someone.
support
To bear the weight of something; to provide assistance.
supplement
Something added to complete or enhance.

Slang Meanings

Aux
We need to call in the aux for backup during the event.
Back up
Don't worry, I got your aux covered if things go south.