How to pronounce subordinate
Say it like suh-BOR-duh-nayt. Subordinate has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BOR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce subordinate. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- suh
- BOR
- duh
- nayt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Subordinate pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- suhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- BORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- duhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- naytGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of subordinate
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: suh-BAW-dih-nut.
What does subordinate mean?
- One who is subordinate.
- A hyponym.
- To embed (a clause) into another clause that is the main one.
- To make of lower priority in order of payment in bankruptcy.
- To treat (someone) as of less value or importance.
- Placed in a lower class, rank, or position.
- Submissive or inferior to, or controlled by authority.
- dependent on and either modifying or complementing the main clause
Where does subordinate come from?
From Middle English subordinat, from Medieval Latin subōrdinātus, past participle of subōrdināre, from sub- + ōrdināre (“to order”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying subordinate
How do you pronounce subordinate?
Say suh-BOR-duh-nayt. The American pronunciation is /səˈbɔrdəˌneɪt/. In British English it is /səˈbɔːdɪnət/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in subordinate?
Subordinate has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BOR). Broken into parts: suh · BOR · duh · nayt.
Is subordinate pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /səˈbɔːdɪnət/ (suh-BAW-dih-nut).