subordinate

Group 18Difficulty 1/3

Definitions

(adjective)
Lower in rank or position; of lesser importance
GRE
(verb)
To treat as of lesser importance
GRE

Example in Context

The report warned against subordinating long-term public health goals to short-term economic considerations.

Synonyms

lowerjuniorsecondary

Etymology

Ordered under, indicating a lower rank or position.

  • sub- (Latin) — under
  • ordinare (Latin) — to order

Memory Aid

📉Sounds like “Sub-Bored-Nate

When SUB-BORING NATE is in charge, everyone knows he’s the subordinate of fun!

Visual Association

👷A worker in a hard hat looking up nervously at their boss towering over them, feeling subordinate.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “subordinate” mean on the GRE?

subordinate (adjective) means “Lower in rank or position; of lesser importance”. The report warned against subordinating long-term public health goals to short-term economic considerations.

How to remember “subordinate” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “subordinate” sounds like “Sub-Bored-Nate”. When SUB-BORING NATE is in charge, everyone knows he’s the subordinate of fun!

What are synonyms for “subordinate”?

Common synonyms: lower, junior, secondary.