Meaning & Definition of word "Auxiliary"
Auxiliary
/ɔːɡˈzɪl.ɪ.ɚ.i/
noun:
- 1. A person or thing that provides assistance or support.
- Example: The auxiliary helped the primary users by providing technical support.
- 2. An auxiliary verb that is used with a main verb to form different tenses, moods, or voices.
- Example: In the sentence 'She is going to the store,' 'is' is an auxiliary verb.
adjective:
- 1. Providing supplementary or additional help and support.
- Example: The auxiliary staff members were essential in assisting the teachers during the school event.
- 2. Supplementary; acting as a backup.
- Example: 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 of auxiliary
Meaning: Aux
● Example Sentence: We need to call in the aux for backup during the event.
Meaning: Back up
● Example Sentence: Don't worry, I got your aux covered if things go south.