Subordinate Definition
sə-bôrdn-ĭt
subordinated, subordinates, subordinating
adjective
Inferior to or placed below another in rank, power, importance, etc.; secondary.
Webster's New World
Under the power or authority of another.
Webster's New World
Subservient or submissive.
Webster's New World
Having the function of a noun, adjective, or adverb within a sentence.
A subordinate clause.
Webster's New World
(grammar, of a clause, not comparable) Dependent on and either modifying or complementing the main clause.
In the sentence, “The barbecue finished before John arrived", the subordinate clause “before John arrived" specifies the time of the main clause, “The barbecue finished".
Wiktionary
Synonyms:
noun
subordinates
A subordinate person or thing.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
verb
subordinated, subordinates, subordinating
To put in a lower or inferior rank or class.
American Heritage
To place in a subordinate position; treat as less important or inferior (to)
Webster's New World
To make obedient or subservient (to); control; subdue.
Webster's New World
(finance) To make of lower priority in order of payment in bankruptcy.
Wiktionary
Synonyms:
Origin of Subordinate
-
Middle English subordinat from Medieval Latin subōrdinātus past participle of subōrdināre to put in a lower rank Latin sub- sub- Latin ōrdināre to set in order (from ōrdō ōrdin- order ar- in Indo-European roots)
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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