Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition


Subordinate

Sub-or′di-nate

,
Adj.
[Pref.
sub
+ L.
ordinatus
, p. p. of
ordinare
to set in order, to arrange. See
Ordain
.]
1.
Placed in a lower order, class, or rank; holding a lower or inferior position.
The several kinds and
subordinate
species of each are easily distinguished.
Woodward.
2.
Inferior in order, nature, dignity, power, importance, or the like.
It was
subordinate
, not enslaved, to the understanding.
South.

Sub-or′di-nate

,
Noun.
One who stands in order or rank below another; – distinguished from a principal.
Milton.

Sub-or′di-nate

,
Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Subordinated
;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Subordinating
.]
1.
To place in a lower order or class; to make or consider as of less value or importance;
as, to
subordinate
one creature to another
.
2.
To make subject; to subject or subdue;
as, to
subordinate
the passions to reason
.
–
Sub-or′di-nate-ly
,
adv.
–
Sub-or′di-nate-ness
,
Noun.

Webster 1828 Edition


Subordinate

SUBOR'DINATE

,
Adj.
[L. sub and ordinatus, from ordo, order.]
1.
Inferior in order,in nature, in dignity, in power, importance, &c.; as subordinate officers.
It was subordinate, not enslaved, to the understanding.
2.
Descending in a regular series.
The several kinds and subordinate species of each, are easily distinguished.

SUBOR'DINATE

,
Verb.
T.
To place in order or rank below something else; to make or consider as of less value or importance; as, to subordinate one creature to another; to subordinate temporal to spiritual things.
1.
To make subject; as, to subordinate the passions to reason.