subordinated
[səbˈɔrdənˌetɪd] /sə-ˈbȯr-də-nət How to pronounce subordinate (audio) -ˈbȯrd-nət/ (ame, mw)
subordinated — adjective
- subordinatedpositive
- more subordinatedcomparative
- most subordinatedsuperlative
1. put beneath another person, group, or goal in status or importance.
put beneath another person, group, or goal in status or importance.
After the merger, Caleb's small branch was subordinated to the main office.
be subordinated to + noun phrase
Yumi felt her research was subordinated to the director's political agenda.
In the new budget, arts classes were subordinated to exam preparation.
The village clinic remained subordinated to the city hospital for major decisions.
- secondary
Emphasises lower importance more than formal hierarchy.
- lower-ranking
More specific to rank in an organisation.
- dependent
Stresses reliance on something else, not only lower status.
文法句型
be subordinated to + noun phrase
用法筆記
Often used after be, with 'to' naming the person, institution, or aim that has more power or priority.
常見錯誤
2. forced to accept another person's control or wishes instead of acting freely.
forced to accept another person's control or wishes instead of acting freely.
Under the old coach, Defne felt completely subordinated and afraid to speak.
subordinated describes a person's controlled position
The wives in the story are subordinated to the oldest man's rules.
Rafael quit the job when he realised he was being subordinated to the owner's moods.
In that strict sect, children were subordinated to every adult command.
- submissive
More direct and slightly more emotional.
- obedient
Focuses on following orders rather than being placed below others.
- controlled
Broader and less formal.
- independent
Able to act without another person's control.
- defiant
Actively resisting authority.
文法句型
be subordinated to + noun phrase
用法筆記
This sense focuses on control and obedience, not simply job rank. Distinguish from sense 1, which can describe institutions, plans, or positions as lower in importance.
3. used for a clause that depends on a main clause instead of forming a complete se
used for a clause that depends on a main clause instead of forming a complete sentence by itself.
On the worksheet, Saira circled the subordinated clause in blue ink.
subordinated clause in grammar teaching
Christopher forgot that a subordinated clause cannot stand alone.
The teacher moved the subordinated clause to the end of the sentence.
In Ilan's essay, the subordinated clause came before the main statement.
- dependent clause
The more common modern classroom term.
- embedded clause
A related technical term when the clause appears inside another structure.
- main clause
A clause that can stand on its own.
- independent clause
Another standard opposite term.
文法句型
subordinated clause + main clause
用法筆記
Usually appears in grammar discussion with the noun 'clause'. The more common label is often 'subordinate clause' or 'dependent clause'.
常見錯誤
subordinated — verb
- subordinatedpresent simple I / you / we / they
- subordinateds3rd person singular
- subordinateding-ing form
- subordinatededpast simple
1. to place a person, plan, or need below another one in rank or importance.
to place a person, plan, or need below another one in rank or importance.
Nia subordinated her own plans to the family's urgent medical needs.
subordinated + object + to + higher priority
James said the editor had subordinated facts to a dramatic headline.
The new rules subordinated teacher judgment to a fixed scoring chart.
Sivan refused to stay on a team that subordinated safety to speed.
During the merger, managers subordinated local concerns to national targets.
- prioritise
To treat something as more important.
- elevate
To raise in rank or importance.
文法句型
subordinated + noun phrase + to + noun phrase
用法筆記
Use the pattern 'subordinated + object + to + noun phrase'. The words after 'to' name the person, policy, or aim that gets higher priority.