What is the difference between auxiliary and ancillary

The word ancillary may be used as a noun or an adjective, it is derived from the Latin word ancillaris, which means having to do with a maidservant. Auxiliary means providing supplemental help, offering additional support. The words ancillary and auxiliary both carry the meaning of lending help or support, but ancillary carries the connotation that this support is considered subordinate in importance, while auxiliary does not carry this connotation.

As this etymology suggests, ancillary is related to help and support. Ancillary is a noun and an adjective. As an adjective, ancillary refers to something additional to a main part or function. Therefore, the noun ancillary refers to a person or an object that provides secondary or subsidiary support. The word ancillary implies that there is a primary function or activity, but ancillary refers to providing necessary support for this primary function.

It also implies that what is described by ancillary is not as important to the main function, activity or concept. For example, ancillary plant implies that there is a primary factory, and the plant provides necessary support for the factory.

The ancillary workers were the first to lose jobs when the company decided to cut cost. The factory and its ancillary plants are located in Manchester. In addition to the main dining room, there are two ancillary dining rooms in the palace.

Viewed 47k times. I am trying to phrase something like: We argue that introducing these concepts is likely to achieve ancillary goals. Should I use auxiliary or ancillary here? Is there a difference in meaning? Improve this question. Depends what you mean, right?

In the interest of concise clear writing though, if you are not sure which of these words to use, it could be an indication that you could find a word that is more direct and meaningful. How about "supportive"? Or "secondary"? Add a comment. Active Oldest Votes. Ancillary carries with it the idea of support for main goals: providing necessary support to the primary activities or operation of an organization, institution, industry, or system : the development of ancillary services to support its products.

Auxiliary has connotations of supplementary or "extra" help: providing supplementary or additional help and support : an auxiliary nurse auxiliary airport staff.