What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
accessory
Example
She wore a beautiful necklace as an accessory to her dress. [accessory: noun]
Example
The new curtains were the perfect accessory to the room, adding a pop of color. [accessory: adjective]
auxiliary
Example
The auxiliary police officers helped direct traffic during the parade. [auxiliary: adjective]
Example
I will use the auxiliary generator if there is a power outage. [auxiliary: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Accessory is more commonly used in everyday language, especially in the context of fashion and design. Auxiliary is less common but is frequently used in specific contexts where support or assistance is needed.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between accessory and auxiliary?
Both accessory and auxiliary can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, accessory is more commonly associated with a casual or informal tone, while auxiliary can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
