Subordinate Definition

sə-bôrdn-ĭt
subordinated, subordinates, subordinating
adjective
Inferior to or placed below another in rank, power, importance, etc.; secondary.
Webster's New World
Under the power or authority of another.
Webster's New World
Subservient or submissive.
Webster's New World
Having the function of a noun, adjective, or adverb within a sentence.
A subordinate clause.
Webster's New World

(grammar, of a clause, not comparable) 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".
Wiktionary
noun
subordinates
A subordinate person or thing.
Webster's New World
verb
subordinated, subordinates, subordinating
To put in a lower or inferior rank or class.
American Heritage
To place in a subordinate position; treat as less important or inferior (to)
Webster's New World
To make obedient or subservient (to); control; subdue.
Webster's New World

(finance) To make of lower priority in order of payment in bankruptcy.

Wiktionary
Synonyms:

Other Word Forms of Subordinate

Noun

Singular:
subordinate
Plural:
subordinates

Origin of Subordinate

  • Middle English subordinat from Medieval Latin subōrdinātus past participle of subōrdināre to put in a lower rank Latin sub- sub- Latin ōrdināre to set in order (from ōrdō ōrdin- order ar- in Indo-European roots)

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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