subordinate meaning and definition

SUBORDINATE noun

Definition of subordinate (noun)

1. an assistant subject to the authority or control of another
   • synonyms: foot soldier, subsidiary, underling
2. a word that is more specific than a given word
   • synonyms: hyponym, subordinate word

SUBORDINATE verb

Definition of subordinate (verb)

1. rank or order as less important or consider of less value
   • "Art is sometimes subordinated to Science in these schools"
2. make subordinate, dependent, or subservient
   • "Our wishes have to be subordinated to that of our ruler"
   • synonyms: subdue

SUBORDINATE adjective

Definition of subordinate (adjective)

1. lower in rank or importance
   • synonyms: low-level
   • antonym: dominant
2. subject or submissive to authority or the control of another
   • "a subordinate kingdom"
   • antonym: insubordinate
3. (of a clause) unable to stand alone syntactically as a complete sentence
   • "a subordinate (or dependent) clause functions as a noun or adjective or adverb within a sentence"
   • synonyms: dependent
   • antonym: independent