Which word means secondary or auxiliary?

• A. Subsidiary
• B. Subsidy
• C. Sum
• D. Substantiate

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is recognizing a word that means secondary or auxiliary. Subsidiary fits this sense because it describes something that is secondary or subordinate to a larger whole. In business, a subsidiary is a company that is owned or controlled by a parent company, which reinforces the notion of a secondary part within a bigger organization.

Subsidy refers to financial aid or support, especially from a government, which is different in meaning. Sum means the total amount added together, not related to being secondary. Substantiate means to provide evidence or support for a claim, which is a different concept entirely. Therefore, subsidiary is the best choice for conveying the sense of secondary or auxiliary.