subordinate

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun an assistant subject to the authority or control of another
  2. noun a word that is more specific than a given word
  3. verb rank or order as less important or consider of less value

Etymology

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

In classic literature

Synonyms

subsidiary, underling, foot soldier

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