SUBORDINATE


Meaning of SUBORDINATE in English

adjective , noun , verb

■ adjective / səˈbɔːdɪnət; NAmE -ˈbɔːrd-/

1.

subordinate (to sb) having less power or authority than sb else in a group or an organization :

In many societies women are subordinate to men.

2.

subordinate (to sth) less important than sth else

SYN secondary :

All other issues are subordinate to this one.

■ noun

/səˈbɔːdɪnət; NAmE -ˈbɔːrd-/ a person who has a position with less authority and power than sb else in an organization

SYN inferior :

the relationship between subordinates and superiors

■ verb

/ səˈbɔːdɪneɪt; NAmE -ˈbɔːrd-/ [ vn ] subordinate sb/sth (to sb/sth) to treat sb/sth as less important than sb/sth else :

Safety considerations were subordinated to commercial interests.

►  sub·or·din·ation / səˌbɔːdɪˈneɪʃn; NAmE -ˌbɔːrd-/ noun [ U ]

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WORD ORIGIN

late Middle English : from medieval Latin subordinatus placed in an inferior rank, from Latin sub- below + ordinare ordain.

Oxford Advanced Learner's English Dictionary.      Оксфордский английский словарь для изучающик язык на продвинутом уровне.