Subordinate

Pronunciation

• UK enPR: sÉ™-bôʹdÄ­n-É™t, IPA: /səˈbɔːdɪnÉ™t/
• US enPR: sÉ™-bôrʹdÄ­n-É™t, IPA: /səˈbÉ”rdɪnÉ™t/

• UK enPR: sÉ™-bôʹdÄ­n-āt, IPA: /səˈbɔːdɪneɪt/
• US enPR: sÉ™-bôrʹdÄ­n-āt, IPA: /səˈbÉ”rdɪneɪt/

Origin

Full definition of subordinate

Adjective

1. Placed in a lower class, rank, or position.
• WoodwardThe several kinds and subordinate species of each are easily distinguished.
2. Submissive or inferior to, or controlled by, authority.
• SouthIt was subordinate, not enslaved, to the understanding.
3. (grammar, of a clause, not comparable) dependent on and either modifying or complementing the main clauseIn the sentence, “The barbecue finished before John arrived”, the subordinate clause “before John arrived” specifies the time of the main clause, “The barbecue finished”.

Synonyms

• (placed in a lower class, rank, or position) lesser
• (grammar, dependent on the main clause) dependent

Antonyms

• (placed in a lower class, rank, or position) superior, superordinate
• (Submissive to or controlled by authority) insubordinate
• (grammar, dependent on and either modifying or complementing the main clause) independent, main

Noun

1. (one who is subordinate)(countable) One who is subordinate.

Synonyms

• (one who is subordinate) inferior, junior, report, underling, understrapper

Antonyms

• (one who is subordinate) boss, commander, leader, manager, superior, supervisor

Verb

1. (transitive) To make subservient.
2. (transitive) To treat as of less value or importance.
3. (transitive, finance) To make of lower priority in order of payment in bankruptcy.

Synonyms

• (treat as of less value or importance) belittle, denigrate