I. səˈbȯrd( ə )nə̇]t -ȯ(ə)d- sometimes -də̇nə̇] or -d ə nˌā] or -də̇ˌnā]; usu ]d.+V adjective
Etymology: Middle English subordinat, from Medieval Latin subordinatus, past participle of subordinare to place in a lower order, from Latin sub- + ordinare to put in order — more at ordain
1. : placed in a lower order, class, or rank : holding a lower or inferior position
making the executive subordinate to the legislative branch of government
a subordinate branch of study
subordinate peoples
2. : of, relating to, or involving subordination or subordinates: as
a. : submissive to or falling under the control of a higher authority
a subordinate kingdom
b. : of, belonging to, or constituting a clause that functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a larger sentence
subordinate construction
subordinate clause
c. : grammatically subordinating
subordinate conjunction
• sub·or·di·nate·ly adverb
• sub·or·di·nate·ness noun -es
II. noun
: one that is subordinate: as
a. : one who stands in order or rank below another — distinguished from principal
b. : a member of an ecological community other than a dominant
III. -d ə nˌāt sometimes -də̇ˌnāt, usu -ād.+V\ transitive verb
Etymology: Medieval Latin subordinatus, past participle of subordinare to subordinate
1. : to place in a lower order or class : make or consider as of less value or importance
subordinate one creature to another
2. : to make subject or subservient
subordinate the passions to reason