Word a Day
subordinate
What does subordinate mean?
subordinate (noun): an assistant subject to the authority or control of another.
Definition: Princeton WordNet 3.1.
Where does subordinate come from?
From Middle English subordinat, from Medieval Latin subōrdinātus, past participle of subōrdināre, from sub- + ōrdināre (“to order”).
Etymology: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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What does “subordinate” mean?
the potential things that may come to pass, often favorable
Not quite: that's what prospect means.
a document granting an inventor sole rights to an invention
Not quite: that's what patent means.
a cry expressing joy, approval or support, such as "hurrah"
Not quite: that's what cheer means.
an assistant subject to the authority or control of another
Right! That's what “subordinate” means.
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