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.