subordinate Meaning & Definition
What Does Subordinate Mean?
As an adjective, subordinate means Placed in a lower class, rank, or position. It is also used to mean Submissive or inferior to, or controlled by authority. As a noun, it means One who is subordinate. As a verb, it means To make subservient or secondary. To embed (a clause) into another clause that is the main one.
Subordinate: Key Facts
| Part of speech | adjective, noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //səˈbɔːdɪnət// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | subject, adjunct and dependent |
| Antonyms | dominant, independent and insubordinate |
| Plural | subordinates |
| Comparative / superlative | more subordinate, most subordinate |
| Verb forms | subordinates, subordinating, subordinated |
Subordinate Definition (Adjective)
- Placed in a lower class, rank, or position.
- Submissive or inferior to, or controlled by authority.
- dependent on and either modifying or complementing the main clause
In the sentence “The barbecue finished before John arrived”, the subordinate clause “before John arrived” specifies the time of the main clause, “The barbecue finished”.
- Descending in a regular series.
Subordinate as a Noun
- One who is subordinate.
- A hyponym.
Subordinate as a Verb
- To make subservient or secondary. To embed (a clause) into another clause that is the main one.
- To embed (a clause) into another clause that is the main one.
- To make of lower priority in order of payment in bankruptcy.
- To treat (someone) as of less value or importance.
Verb
- To make subservient.
- To treat as of less value or importance.
Adjective
- (grammar, of a clause) dependent on and either modifying or complementing the main clause
In 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 of Subordinate
Antonyms of Subordinate
Subordinate in a Sentence
In the sentence “The barbecue finished before John arrived”, the subordinate clause “before John arrived” specifies the time of the main clause, “The barbecue finished”.
Word Forms & Grammar
subordinate (comparative more subordinate, superlative most subordinate)
subordinate (plural subordinates)
subordinate (third-person singular simple present subordinates, present participle subordinating, simple past and past participle subordinated)
Words That Rhyme With Subordinate
Origin of Subordinate
From Middle English subordinat, from Medieval Latin subōrdinātus, past participle of subōrdināre, from sub- + ōrdināre (“to order”).
Subordinate Pronunciation
Subordinate is pronounced //səˈbɔːdɪnət// and has 1 syllable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Subordinate
Is subordinate an adjective or a noun?
Subordinate is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as a noun and a verb.
What is another word for subordinate?
Close synonyms of subordinate are subject, adjunct and dependent. See the full list of subordinate synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of subordinate?
The opposite of subordinate can be expressed with words like dominant, independent, insubordinate and aswan high dam.
What is the plural of subordinate?
The plural of subordinate is subordinates.
What is the past tense of subordinate?
The past tense of subordinate is subordinated. The present participle is subordinating.