English Dictionary
Definition of “subordinate”
subordinate
Definitions
adjective
- of lesser order or importance
- under the authority or control of another ⇒
a subordinate functionary
noun
- a person or thing that is subordinate
verb
(tr) usually foll by
to - to put in a lower rank or position (than)
- to make subservient ⇒
to subordinate mind to heart
Alternative Forms
subˈordinately adverb subˌordiˈnation subˈordinateness noun subˈordinative adjective Word Origin
C15: from Medieval Latin subordināre, from Latin sub- + ordō rank
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry
=
inferior,
junior,
assistant,
aide,
second,
attendant,
dependant,
underling,
subaltern,
bitch,
Usage examples
My use for you is in a subordinate role as assistant in such tasks as I define.
Malcolm, John, The Gwen John Sculpture (1985)Although he's my subordinate and reports to me, he draws a higher salary.
Business Today (2002)The ordinary units are subordinate to the priority units in respect to the fund's cash distributions.
Globe and Mail (2003)The house comprised a traditional manor of medieval hall and subordinate rooms lying along the line of the hillside.
Times, Sunday Times (2002)We will encounter some of them in Derrida's critical campaign against those who subordinate writing to the myth of original speech.
Boyne, Roy, Foucault and Derrida - The Other Side Of Reason (1990)
