an sill air ee

Why have I never used this word?

ancillary

The definition at http://dict.die.net adj reads:

“relating to something that is added but is not essential”

Encarta even has a button to click if you need to hear the proper pronunciation. (sounds like “an sill air ee” with the emphasis on the “an”)

The encarta.msm.com definitions are:

“1. subordinate: in a position of lesser importance

2. providing support: providing support for somebody or something, e.g. nontechnical assistance to people who work in an industry or profession”

cool word.

dict.die.net noted an example of use taken from Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (despite what my son might say – 1913 is a little before my time):

“The Convocation of York seems to have been always considered as inferior, and even ancillary, to the greater province. –Hallam.”

yeah.

All the usage examples I found were so . . . serious. Boring.

How about a more light hearted example? Like maybe:

The ancillary fruit topping on the brownie completely ruined my craving for chocolate.

or how about,

My house is sinking due to an overload of ancillary paper.

or maybe,

It’s the ancillary fat on my body that’s the problem.

I’m definitely going to start using this word more often.