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Subordinate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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subordinate

[səˈbɔːrdɪnət ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in a work environment

A person who is under the authority or control of another within an organization.

Synonyms

inferior, subservient, underling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
subordinate

Used in professional or organizational settings to refer to someone with a lower rank or position.

  • She is my subordinate at work
  • In the military, orders are passed down from superior officers to their subordinates
inferior

Describes someone or something of lower quality, status or importance, often with a negative connotation.

  • This product is inferior to the one we sold last year
  • He always felt inferior to his older brother
subservient

Implies excessive willingness to obey or serve others, often used critically to describe someone who is overly submissive.

  • She had a subservient attitude towards her boss, which bothered her colleagues
  • He didn't want to appear subservient in front of his team
underling

Often used in a derogatory manner to refer to someone of lower status or rank, implying they have little power or significance.

  • The manager treated his employees like mere underlings
  • He saw himself as an intellectual, not just another underling

Examples of usage

  • He was promoted from a subordinate to a manager.
  • She felt frustrated by the lack of recognition as a subordinate.
Context #2 | Adjective

in a relationship

Lower in rank or position.

Synonyms

inferior, secondary, subservient.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
subordinate

This term is most commonly used in a professional or hierarchical organizational context to describe someone who is lower in rank or position.

  • He directly reports to his superviser as a subordinate.
  • In our company, team leaders manage the tasks assigned to their subordinates.
inferior

This word is often used when comparing quality, status, or value and can have a negative connotation. It implies that something or someone is of lower quality or less importance.

  • The product was considered inferior because it broke easily.
  • He felt inferior to his coworkers because he had less experience.
subservient

This word implies excessive willingness to serve or please others and often has a negative connotation. It can describe someone who is overly obedient or submissive.

  • She was expected to be completely subservient to her employer's demands.
  • In many old stories, servants were depicted as subservient and without a voice.
secondary

Typically used to describe something that is of lesser importance or priority compared to something else. It doesn't necessarily have a negative connotation.

  • Her happiness was secondary to his career ambitions.
  • In an emergency, personal belongings are secondary to personal safety.

Examples of usage

  • She has a subordinate role in the company.
  • The subordinate clause provides additional information.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Studies show that individuals in subordinate roles may experience anxiety and lower job satisfaction compared to their superiors.
  • The effect of power dynamics can influence behavior, with subordinates often feeling less empowered to voice their opinions.
  • Research indicates that subordinates may develop leadership skills through mentoring relationships with their superiors.

Education

  • In classrooms, the teacher (superior) provides guidance while students (subordinates) learn and follow instructions.
  • Group projects may involve subordinates taking instructions from group leaders, fostering collaborative skills.
  • Education systems worldwide often reflect hierarchical structures, with students placed in subordinate roles to educators.

Corporate Culture

  • Subordinate roles are crucial in organizations as they ensure efficient task completion under the direction of supervisors.
  • Effective leadership often involves recognizing and valuing the contributions of subordinates to maintain morale.
  • Many companies implement flat structures to minimize the number of subordinate roles, empowering employees.

Linguistic Nuances

  • In grammar, a subordinate clause is one that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence, similar to how a subordinate relies on a superior.
  • The use of the word can vary in connotation; in some contexts, it may suggest inferiority, while in others, it emphasizes teamwork.
  • Understanding the nuances of hierarchy can enhance communication in workplace settings, minimizing misinterpretation.

Origin of 'subordinate'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'subordinatus', meaning 'placed under'.
  • The prefix 'sub-' signifies 'under', while 'ordinatus' relates to organization or order.
  • It was first used in English around the late 14th century, reflecting hierarchical relationships.

The word 'subordinate' originated from the Latin word 'subordinatus', which means 'placed in a lower order'. It first appeared in English in the 15th century. The concept of being subordinate has been prevalent in hierarchical structures throughout history, where individuals hold different levels of authority and responsibility.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,358 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.