YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

ancillary

Adjective

IPA /ænˈsɪləri/

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Meaning in plain English

Providing support for the main work or activity.

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Pronunciation

ancillary/ænˈsɪləri/

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Teaching is the main activity
Technical support helps it run
Maintenance supports the classrooms

Ancillary services support the main activity, such as teaching.

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Examples in context

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The festival needed ancillary services such as cleaning and transport.
The project budget includes ancillary costs for printing and delivery.

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The festival needed ________ services such as cleaning and transport.

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ancillary — Providing support for the main work or activity.

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Providing support for the main work or activity.

Compare: The festival needed ancillary services such as cleaning and transport.

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Word origin

From Latin ancillaris, related to ancilla, meaning maidservant.

Did you know?

Ancillary commonly describes services, staff, equipment and costs.

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