subordinate
Subordinate (adj) means Lower in rank, importance, or position; under the authority of someone else. Example: “Junior officers are subordinate to the captain.”
How to use subordinate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLower in rank than something or someone else, or (as a noun) the person in that lower position.
Word forms
more subordinate comparative, subordinated past tense, subordinates plural, subordinates singular, most subordinate superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Junior officers are _____ to the captain.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin subōrdinātus, from sub- ("under") plus ōrdināre ("to order, arrange").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for subordinate
See all rhymes for subordinate →Frequently asked questions
What does “subordinate” mean?
The word “subordinate” means lower in rank, importance, or position; under the authority of someone else. In plain terms, lower in rank than something or someone else, or (as a noun) the person in that lower position.
How do you pronounce “subordinate”?
“Subordinate” is pronounced suh-BAW-dih-nuht (/səˈbɔɹdɪnət/ in IPA).
How do you use “subordinate” in a sentence?
Here is “subordinate” used in a sentence: “Junior officers are subordinate to the captain.”
What part of speech is “subordinate”?
Depending on how it is used, “subordinate” can be an adjective, a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “subordinate” come from?
The word “subordinate” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin subōrdinātus, from sub- ("under") plus ōrdināre ("to order, arrange").
Is “subordinate” a common word?
“Subordinate” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “subordinate” have?
“Subordinate” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: lower in rank, importance, or position; under the authority of someone else.