释义 |
sub·or·di·nate I. \səˈbȯrd(ə)nə̇]t -ȯ(ə)d- sometimes -də̇nə̇] or -dənˌā] 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. \-dənˌāt 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 > |