Word: Subordination
Part of Speech: Noun
Basic Definition:Subordination refers to the act of making someone or something less important or lower in rank or status. It can also describe a relationship where one person or thing is controlled by another.
Usage Instructions:
You can use "subordination" when talking about relationships in various contexts, such as in workplaces, social settings, or grammar.
Examples:
Workplace Context: "In many companies, there is a clear subordination of junior employees to their managers."
Grammar Context: "In the sentence, 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk,' the phrase 'Although it was raining' shows subordination because it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence."
Advanced Usage:
In more advanced discussions, "subordination" can refer to complex social structures. For example, in sociology, it may describe how certain groups are placed in less powerful positions within society.
Word Variants:
Subordinate (adjective): Describing someone or something that is lower in rank. For example, "He is in a subordinate position in the company."
Subordinate (noun): A person who is lower in rank. For example, "She is a subordinate of the department manager."
Different Meanings:
Social Context: Referring to the power dynamics between people. For example, "Subordination can lead to inequality in society."
Grammatical Context: Describing how clauses relate to each other. For example, "In complex sentences, subordination helps show the relationship between ideas."
Synonyms:
Submission
Inferiority
Dependence
Subjugation
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
"Under someone's thumb": This means to be controlled or dominated by someone, similar to subordination. For example, "She felt like she was under her boss's thumb."
"Fall in line": This means to conform to rules or expectations, reflecting a sense of subordination.