Ancillary Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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ancillary
[ˈænsələri ]
Definition
business
Providing necessary support to the primary activities or operation of an organization.
Synonyms
auxiliary, secondary, supporting.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ancillary |
Use in formal or technical contexts to describe something that provides necessary support to a primary function or activity.
|
| supporting |
Used to describe something that provides assistance or reinforcement, often in contexts like roles, structures, or arguments. It implies a role that helps achieve a larger goal.
|
| secondary |
Often used to describe something of less importance compared to something considered primary. It can refer to rank, timing, or importance.
|
| auxiliary |
Typically used in formal or technical contexts, often related to machinery, staff, or emergency backup. It suggests something that helps or supports but is not the main component.
|
Examples of usage
- The ancillary staff in the hospital ensures that the medical professionals can focus on patient care.
- Customer service is considered an ancillary function in many businesses.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In medical terms, ancillary services include support services like radiology and lab tests that assist the primary care provided to patients.
- Research shows that ancillary treatments, such as physical therapy, significantly enhance recovery from surgeries or chronic conditions.
- In environmental science, ancillary benefits refer to additional positive effects that come from addressing primary ecological issues.
Business
- Ancillary revenue refers to the additional money companies earn from sources beyond their main business operations, such as airlines selling travel insurance.
- In e-commerce, ancillary services like customer support and shipping add value to the customer experience beyond just the product sold.
- Firms often develop ancillary products to complement their main offerings, boosting customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Education
- Ancillary materials, like study guides and online resources, support the main curriculum, enhancing student understanding.
- In special education, ancillary services might include counseling or speech therapy to assist students with additional needs.
- Teachers often rely on ancillary activities to engage students and reinforce learning in a fun and interactive way.
Culture
- Ancillary roles in films, such as side characters or supporting actors, are crucial for enriching the storyline and character development.
- In music, ancillary artists like backup singers and session musicians enhance the main performance, adding depth to the sound.
- Many cultural events have ancillary activities, like food stalls or workshops, that enrich the main gathering and offer diverse experiences.
Origin of 'ancillary'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin term 'ancillaris', meaning 'of a maid' or 'servant', reflecting its supportive role.
- In Middle English, 'ancillary' evolved to refer to something that provides additional help or support.
- The usage of the term in the 19th century expanded to various fields like healthcare and business for denoting supplementary services.
The word 'ancillary' originated from the Latin word 'ancillaris', which means 'related to a maid or female servant'. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to something that is auxiliary or providing support. The term is commonly used in business contexts to describe functions or services that support the main operations of an organization.