auxiliary
UK: ɔːɡˈzɪliəri | US: ɔːɡˈzɪliəri
adj. providing additional help or support
n. a person or thing that provides additional help
auxiliary = auxili<help> + ary<adjective suffix>
- auxili (from Latin auxilium <help>)
- ary (adjective-forming suffix, indicating "related to")
Etymology Origin:
The word "auxiliary" traces back to Latin auxilium (help, aid), derived from augere (to increase). The suffix -ary was added in Late Latin (auxiliarius) to form an adjective meaning "providing aid." Over time, it entered Middle English via Old French, retaining its core meaning of supplemental support. The logical progression reflects the idea of "adding to" or "boosting" existing resources.
The hospital relies on auxiliary staff during peak seasons.
An auxiliary generator provides backup power.
She serves as an auxiliary nurse in the clinic.
The teacher used auxiliary materials to explain the concept.
Auxiliary verbs like "can" or "will" modify the main verb's meaning.