subordinate
suh-BOR-dih-nut
/səˈbɔː.dɪ.nət/
Lower in rank or position; of less or secondary importance.
As an adjective, it describes rank; as a noun, it describes a person; as a verb, it describes the act of making something less important.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'subordinatus', meaning 'placed in a lower order'. It comes from 'sub' (under) and 'ordo' (order), literally meaning someone who is arranged underneath someone else in a system.
Word relationships
- inferior: Inferior often implies lower quality, whereas subordinate only implies lower rank.
- superior: Superior indicates a higher rank or better quality.
Commonly confused with
- ancillary: Subordinate is about rank in a hierarchy; ancillary is about providing extra support.
Word family
- subordination (noun): The action of subordinating.
- insubordinate (adjective): Defiant of authority.
Collocations
- subordinate role
- subordinate position
- subordinate clause
Example sentences
- "The colonel expected absolute obedience from his subordinate officers." Military hierarchy.
- "A subordinate clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence." Grammar and linguistics.
Memory hook
'Sub-' like a 'submarine' (underwater) + 'ordinate' like 'order'. Under the order. Sub-ordinate: Under the order.
When not to use
Avoid using this in casual friendships, as it implies a strict hierarchy that might be offensive.
Fun facts
- In mathematics, subordinate can refer to a specific type of function or matrix property.
Explore more words
relegate, delegate, colleague, allegiance, collateral, submissive
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