Auxiliary: meaning, definitions and examples

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auxiliary

 

[ ɔːɡˈzɪlɪəri ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

grammar

A verb that adds functional or grammatical meaning to the clause in which it appears, such as be in they are eating.

Synonyms

auxiliary verb, helping verb, modal verb

Examples of usage

  • It is important to understand the role of auxiliary verbs in English grammar.
  • She has been studying for the exam.
  • We will be going on vacation next week.
Context #2 | Noun

military

A person providing supplementary or additional support.

Synonyms

aid, assistant, supporter

Examples of usage

  • The medical auxiliary assisted the wounded soldiers on the battlefield.
  • The auxiliary unit was called in to provide backup.
  • The auxiliary force helped secure the area.
Context #3 | Noun

transportation

A vessel equipped to support the primary propulsion system of a ship.

Synonyms

backup, extra, secondary

Examples of usage

  • The auxiliary engine provided additional power to the ship.
  • The submarine's auxiliary systems were critical for its operation.

Translations

Translations of the word "auxiliary" in other languages:

🇵🇹 auxiliar

🇮🇳 सहायक

🇩🇪 Hilfs-

🇮🇩 bantuan

🇺🇦 допоміжний

🇵🇱 pomocniczy

🇯🇵 補助的な (ほじょてきな)

🇫🇷 auxiliaire

🇪🇸 auxiliar

🇹🇷 yardımcı

🇰🇷 보조의

🇸🇦 مساعد

🇨🇿 pomocný

🇸🇰 pomocný

🇨🇳 辅助的 (fǔzhù de)

🇸🇮 pomožni

🇮🇸 aðstoðarmaður

🇰🇿 көмекші

🇬🇪 დამხმარე

🇦🇿 köməkçi

🇲🇽 auxiliar

Word origin

The word 'auxiliary' originated from the Latin word 'auxiliarius', meaning 'giving help or support'. It first appeared in English in the late 16th century. Originally used in a military context to refer to troops or forces providing supplementary support, the term later expanded to include additional meanings in grammar and transportation. Today, 'auxiliary' is commonly used to describe something that provides assistance or support in various fields.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,538 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.