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auxiliary

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ɔɡˈzɪljəri/ · UK /ɔːɡˈzɪliəri/

auxiliary means: Working to help the main group of workers.

adjective

SUPPORT STAFFC1

Working to help the main group of workers.

  • Auxiliary staff helped the nurses.
  • The hospital hired more auxiliary workers.
  • Auxiliary police directed traffic outside the stadium.

Similar words: supporting, assistant

Common phrases: auxiliary staff, auxiliary nurse, auxiliary police

BACKUP EQUIPMENTC1

Ready to provide power or do work if the main equipment stops.

  • The boat has an auxiliary engine.
  • An auxiliary generator kept the lights on.
  • Check the auxiliary power supply before departure.

Similar words: backup, reserve

Common phrases: auxiliary power, auxiliary engine, auxiliary generator

HELPING VERBB2

Used with another verb to show time, possibility, or how an action happens.

  • An auxiliary verb can help form a question.
  • Find the auxiliary verb in this sentence.
  • English uses auxiliary verbs to express several different tenses.

Similar words: helping

Common phrases: auxiliary verb, auxiliary verb form

GIVING SUPPORTC1

Providing extra help or support.

  • Auxiliary troops guarded the bridge.
  • These tools have an auxiliary role.
  • The rescue team received auxiliary support from local volunteers.

Similar words: supporting, supplementary

Common phrases: auxiliary troops, auxiliary services, auxiliary equipment

noun

HELPING VERBB2

A verb used with another verb to help show time, possibility, or other information.

  • This question needs an auxiliary.
  • In this sentence, “will” is an auxiliary.
  • The students underlined all the auxiliaries in the paragraph.

Similar words: helping verb, auxiliary verb

Common phrases: modal auxiliary, primary auxiliary, auxiliary and verb

SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONC1

An organization that helps another organization do its work.

  • The auxiliary raised money for the hospital.
  • She joined the local fire department auxiliary.
  • Members of the auxiliary organized a charity sale.

Similar words: support group

Common phrases: hospital auxiliary, women’s auxiliary, auxiliary committee

HELPERC1

A person or group that helps the main workers.

  • An auxiliary helped the nurse.
  • The hospital trained ten new auxiliaries.
  • Several auxiliaries joined the rescue team.

Similar words: helper, assistant

Common phrases: hospital auxiliary, nursing auxiliary, auxiliary staff member

Questions about auxiliary

What does auxiliary mean?

Working to help the main group of workers.

What is auxiliary in other languages?

Türkçe: yardımcı · Español: auxiliar · Français: auxiliaire · Deutsch: unterstützend · Italiano: ausiliario · 日本語: 補助の

How do you pronounce auxiliary?

In American English /ɔɡˈzɪljəri/; in British English /ɔːɡˈzɪliəri/.

How do you use auxiliary in a sentence?

Auxiliary staff helped the nurses. The hospital hired more auxiliary workers.

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Phrases with auxiliary

auxiliary in other languages

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