Inferior Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
inferior
[ษชnหfษชษriษr ]
Definitions
quality
Lower in rank, status, or quality; not as good as someone or something else
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| inferior |
Used to describe something that is not as good as something else, often in quality or status.
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| lower |
Generally implies something that is beneath or below in position, amount, or quality.
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| lesser |
Used to denote something that is smaller in size, amount, or importance. It doesn't necessarily imply poor quality.
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| substandard |
Used for something that does not meet the expected or required standards, often having a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- He always felt inferior to his older brother.
- The quality of the material is inferior to what we were promised.
- She couldn't shake off the feeling of being inferior to her colleagues.
position
Situated lower down; under
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| inferior |
Used to describe something or someone that is lower in quality, status, or rank. Often has a negative connotation.
|
| lower |
Used to refer to a position that is physically, hierarchically, or numerically beneath something else. Can also refer to reducing the intensity or value of something.
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| underneath |
Often describes a physical position directly below something else. It can also be used metaphorically to suggest something hidden beneath a surface.
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Examples of usage
- The inferior surface of the leaf is usually lighter in color.
- The inferior part of the building needs renovation.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Feelings of inferiority can lead to low self-esteem and place individuals in a negative mental state.
- Behavior can sometimes be motivated by a desire to prove oneself better than others, stemming from feelings of inferiority.
- Alfred Adler, a famous psychologist, emphasized the importance of overcoming feelings of inferiority through personal growth.
Social Commentary
- Throughout history, various groups have been labeled as inferior based on race, culture, or gender, leading to social injustices.
- The concept of inferiority is often used in discussions about privilege, where certain groups have advantages over others.
- Inferior can be a powerful word in debates about equality, often highlighting systemic discrimination.
Pop Culture
- Movies often depict characters overcoming their feelings of inferiority, leading to personal growth and success.
- The underdog story in sports often plays on the idea of an 'inferior' team overcoming the odds to win.
- In literature, characters perceived as inferior often embark on a journey to find their worth and confidence.
Philosophy
- Philosophers have debated the notion of inferiority in social hierarchies and the morals of treating others as such.
- The idea of relative worth can lead to discussions about the nature of existence and value.
- Some schools of thought argue that all beings have inherent worth, regardless of perceived inferiority.
Origin of 'inferior'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Latin 'inferior' which means 'lower' or 'lesser.'
- In English, it began to be used in the late 1600s to compare statuses or qualities.
- The prefix 'in-' often designates a negative or opposite meaning in many English words.
The word 'inferior' originated from the Latin word 'inferior', which means lower. It has been used in English since the late 16th century. Over the years, 'inferior' has been commonly used to describe something of lower quality or rank compared to something else. The concept of inferiority has been prevalent in human societies, leading to discrimination and inequality. Understanding the implications of labeling something as inferior is crucial in promoting equality and respect among individuals.
See also: infer, inferable, inference, infernal, inferno, inferrable, inferred.