Definitions for: Subordinate


[n] a word that is more specific than a given word
[n] someone subject to the authority or control of another
[adj] (grammar) of a clause; unable to stand alone syntactically as a complete sentence; "a subordinate (or dependent) clause functions as a noun or adjective or adverb within a sentence"
[adj] lower in rank or importance
[adj] inferior in rank or status; "the junior faculty"; "a lowly corporal"; "petty officialdom"; "a subordinate functionary"
[adj] subject or submissive to authority or the control of another; "a subordinate kingdom"
[v] make subordinate, dependent, or subservient; "Our wishes have to be subordinated to that of our ruler"
[v] rank or order as less important or consider of less value; "Art is sometimes subordinated to Science in these schools"



Webster (1913) Definition: Sub*or"di*nate, a. [Pref. sub + L. ordinatus, p.
p. of ordinare to set in order, to arrange. See Ordain.]
1. Placed in a lower order, class, or rank; holding a lower
or inferior position.

The several kinds and subordinate species of each
are easily distinguished. --Woodward.

2. Inferior in order, nature, dignity, power, importance, or
the like.

It was subordinate, not enslaved, to the
understanding. --South.


Sub*or"di*nate, n.
One who stands in order or rank below another; --
distinguished from a principal. --Milton.


Sub*or"di*nate, v. t. [imp. & p. p.
Subordinated; p. pr. & vb. n. Subordinating.]
1. To place in a lower order or class; to make or consider as
of less value or importance; as, to subordinate one
creature to another.

2. To make subject; to subject or subdue; as, to subordinate
the passions to reason. -- Sub*or"di*nate*ly, adv. --
Sub*or"di*nate*ness, n.

Synonyms: adjunct, assistant, associate(a), buck, dependent, deputy(a), hyponym, junior, junior-grade, lower, lower-ranking, low-level, lowly, petty(a), proxy(a), ruled, secondary, subaltern, subdue, subject, submissive, subordinate word, subservient, subsidiary, under(a), underling

Antonyms: dominant, independent, insubordinate, main(a)

See Also: follower, grade, inferior, lour, lower, man, order, outclass, place, range, rank, rate, subordinate, word

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