subordinate

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   (of a clause) unable to stand alone syntactically as a complete sentence

   a subordinate (or dependent) clause functions as a noun or adjective or adverb within a sentence

2. 2
   adj

   subject or submissive to authority or the control of another

   a subordinate kingdom

3. 3
   verb

   make subordinate, dependent, or subservient

   Our wishes have to be subordinated to that of our ruler

4. 4
   verb

   rank or order as less important or consider of less value

   Art is sometimes subordinated to Science in these schools

5. 5
   adj

   Placed in a lower class, rank, or position.

   The several kinds […] and subordinate species of each are easily known.

6. 6
   adj

   Submissive or inferior to, or controlled by authority.

   November 9, 1662, Robert South, Of the Creation of Man in the Image of God It was subordinate, not enslaved, to the understanding.

7. 7
   adj

   dependent on and either modifying or complementing the main clause

   In the sentence “The barbecue finished before John arrived”, the subordinate clause “before John arrived” specifies the time of the main clause, “The barbecue finished”.

8. 8
   adj

   lower in rank or importance

Etymology

From Middle English subordinat, from Medieval Latin subōrdinātus, past participle of subōrdināre, from sub- + ōrdināre (“to order”).