subordinate Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun an assistant subject to the authority or control of another
underling; foot soldier; subsidiary.
noun a word that is more specific than a given word
hyponym; subordinate word.
verb rank or order as less important or consider of less value
- Art is sometimes subordinated to Science in these schools
verb make subordinate, dependent, or subservient
subdue.
- Our wishes have to be subordinated to that of our ruler
adjective lower in rank or importance
low-level.
adjective subject or submissive to authority or the control of another
- a subordinate kingdom
adjective (of a clause) unable to stand alone syntactically as a complete sentence
dependent.
- a subordinate (or dependent) clause functions as a noun or adjective or adverb within a sentence

Pref. sub + L. ordinatus, p.p. of ordinare to set in order, to arrange. See Ordain.

Placed in a lower order, class, or rank; holding a lower or inferior position.
The several kinds and subordinate species of each are easily distinguished. Woodward.
Inferior in order, nature, dignity, power, importance, or the like.
It was subordinate, not enslaved, to the understanding. South.

One who stands in order or rank below another; -- distinguished from a principal. Milton.

imperfect & past participle Subordinated ; present participle & verbal noun Subordinating

To place in a lower order or class; to make or consider as of less value or importance; as, to subordinate one creature to another.
To make subject; to subject or subdue; as, to subordinate the passions to reason. -- Sub*or"di*nate*ly, adv. -- Sub*or"di*nate*ness, n.