Subordinate

Quick meaning: Subordinate is an adjective meaning Placed in a lower class, rank, or position.

Meaning

Placed in a lower class, rank, or position.

More Meanings

1. Submissive or inferior to, or controlled by authority.
2. (grammar, of a clause, not comparable) dependent on and either modifying or complementing the main clause
3. Descending in a regular series.
4. (countable) One who is subordinate.
5. A hyponym.
6. (transitive) To make subservient or secondary.
7. (transitive) To treat (someone) as of less value or importance.

Example Sentences

The several kinds […] and subordinate species of each are easily known.

November 9, 1662, Robert South, Of the Creation of Man in the Image of God It was subordinate, not enslaved, to the understanding.

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”.

Word Forms

• subordinates
• subordinating
• subordinated

Synonyms for subordinate

Depending on context, synonyms include lesser, subaltern, petty, dependent, inferior, junior.

Antonyms for subordinate

Common opposites include superior, superordinate, insubordinate, independent, main, boss.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include subservient, submissive, subaltern, underling, assistant, associate.

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