adjective

subordinate

subordinate, junior, secondary

He has a subordinate role in the team.

He has a subordinate role in the team.

She is always respectful to her subordinates.

She is always respectful to her subordinates.

((to sb./sth.)) lower in rank or position than (sb./sth.) His role is subordinate to the manager's.

a subordinate a person under the authority of another A manager must guide their subordinates.

Synonyms: junior, lower, secondary; Antonyms: superior, senior, primary

From Latin 'sub-' (under) + 'ordinare' (to arrange, order). Literally 'ordered under'.

Think of 'sub-' as in 'submarine' (under the sea) and 'ordinate' related to 'order'. Someone who is 'ordered under' you in rank.

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