Ancillary

As an Adjective

1. Providing necessary support to the main function or activity.
2. Secondary but still important in assisting a primary role.
3. Supplementary or additional in nature.

As a Noun

1. A person or thing that provides support to a main system or function.
2. A subordinate worker or assistant in an organization.

Word History

The word ancillary comes from the Latin ancillaris, meaning “relating to a maidservant,” derived from ancilla (female servant). Over time, its meaning expanded to refer to anything that provides essential support.

Examples

1. The company provides ancillary services such as customer support. (Adjective)
2. The new software is an ancillary tool to improve productivity. (Adjective)
3. Nurses and other ancillary staff play a crucial role in hospitals. (Noun)
4. The laboratory functions as an ancillary unit to the main hospital. (Noun)

Synonyms

Supplementary, supportive, auxiliary, additional, subordinate (Adjective)
Assistant, aide, subordinate, helper (Noun)

Related Words

Secondary, backup, extra, dependent

Antonyms

Primary, main, essential, principal (Adjective)
Leader, superior, core staff (Noun)