rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryancillarySecondary support
adjective / noun

ancillary

AN-suh-lair-ee/ˈænsəleri/

Providing support to a main activity, system, or organization.

The pianist provides ancillary musical support to the soloist.

A violinist performs while an accompanying pianist supports her: the standing soloist occupies the foreground, with the seated pianist slightly behind, visibly playing accompaniment.
Etymology
ancillLatinhandmaid
+aryLatinrelating to

A handmaid supplied the original image of subordinate service. Applied more broadly, ancillary describes something that assists a main activity rather than being its central function.

In context

MooLer178:52
have her as almost like the mission Giver character or an important but ancillary character and just invent a new protagonist
EFAP #204 - The Rings of Power continues to exist - Breaking down episodes 3&4 w/The Little Platoon

More examples

  • Ancillary staff handled records and scheduling.
  • The manual included several useful ancillaries.
  • Parking fees supplied ancillary revenue.

Forms

ancillary · ancillaries

Similar words

auxiliary
Both provide support; ancillary often stresses secondary rather than central function.
essential
Essential is indispensable; ancillary is supplementary, though sometimes important.