adjective
- inferior to or placed below another in rank, power, importance, etc.; secondary
- under the power or authority of another
- subservient or submissive
- Gram. having the function of a noun, adjective, or adverb within a sentence: a subordinate phrase
Origin:
ME < ML subordinatus, pp. of subordinare < L sub-, under + ordinare, to order: see ordain
noun
a subordinate person or thing
transitive verb subordinated, subordinating
- to place in a subordinate position; treat as less important or inferior (to)
- to make obedient or subservient (to); control; subdue