Subordinate
/səˈbɔː.dɪ.nət/noun
Lower in rank or position; secondary.
Did you know?In ancient Rome, the concept of being 'subordinate' was tied to the hierarchy of the army, where subordinates had to obey orders without question, reflecting a loss of personal power.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ord-
“to arrange, put in order.”
Latin
Latin
subordinatus
“placed beneath; subordinate.”
Old French
Old French
subordoné
“placed under, subjugated.”
14th Century
Middle English
subordinat
“of lower rank or position.”
Modern English
English
subordinate
“someone in a lower position within a hierarchy.”