Definition of subordinate

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< suborder

subordinate clause >

sub·or·di·nate    (s-bôrdn-t) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

1. Belonging to a lower or inferior class or rank; secondary.
2. Subject to the authority or control of another.

NOUN:

One that is subordinate.

TRANSITIVE VERB:
sub·or·di·nat·ed, sub·or·di·nat·ing, sub·or·di·nates (s-bôrdn-t)

1. To put in a lower or inferior rank or class.
2. To make subservient; subdue.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English subordinat, from Medieval Latin subrdintus, past participle of subrdinre, to put in a lower rank : Latin sub-, sub- + Latin rdinre, to set in order (from rd, rdin-, order; see ar- in Indo-European roots)

OTHER FORMS:
sub·ordi·nate·ly(Adverb), sub·ordi·nate·ness or sub·ordi·nation  (-nshn) KEY (Noun), sub·ordi·native  (-ntv) KEY (Adjective)