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Subordinate vs Obey - What's the difference?

subordinate | obey |

In lang=en terms the difference between subordinate and obey

is that subordinate is to treat as of less value or importance while obey is to do as one is told.

As verbs the difference between subordinate and obey

is that subordinate is to make subservient while obey is to do as ordered by (a person, institution etc), to act according to the bidding of.

As an adjective subordinate

is placed in a lower class, rank, or position.

As a noun subordinate

is (senseid)(countable) one who is subordinate.

subordinate

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Placed in a lower class, rank, or position.
  • * Woodward
    • The several kinds and subordinate species of each are easily distinguished.
  • Submissive or inferior to, or controlled by, authority.
  • * South
    • It was subordinate , not enslaved, to the understanding.
  • (grammar, of a clause, not comparable) dependent on and either modifying or complementing the main clause
    • In the sentence, “The barbecue finished before John arrived”, the subordinate clause “before John arrived” specifies the time of the main clause, “The barbecue finished”.

    Synonyms

    * lesser * (sense) dependent

    Antonyms

    * superior, superordinate * (Submissive to or controlled by authority) insubordinate * (sense) independent, main

    See also

    * inferior

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (senseid)(countable) One who is subordinate.

    • Synonyms

    * (one who is subordinate) inferior, junior, report, underling, understrapper

    Antonyms

    * (one who is subordinate) boss, commander, leader, manager, superior, supervisor

    Verb

    (subordinat)
  • To make subservient.
  • To treat as of less value or importance.
  • (finance) To make of lower priority in order of payment in bankruptcy.

    • Synonyms

    * (treat as of less value or importance) belittle, denigrate

    obey

    English

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To do as ordered by (a person, institution etc), to act according to the bidding of.
  • To do as one is told.
  • (obsolete) To be obedient, compliant (to a given law, restriction etc.).
  • * 1590 , Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene , III.iv:
    • They were all taught by Triton, to obay / To the long raynes, at her commaundement [...].

    Antonyms

    * disobey * defy * rebel * resist * violate (especially rules )

    Related terms

    * obedience * obedient

    External links

    * * 1000 English basic words