subordinate /səˈbɔ:dənit/ I. n. ［c］部属，下级：He treated his subordinates like slaves. 他对待下属像对待奴隶。 ‖II. adj. 1.次要的；附属的(to)：a subordinate clause 从句［考句］ I don’t think that this question is subordinate to the main aim of our company. 我想这个问题的重要性不亚于我们公司的主要目标。2.下级的，隶属的:［考句］ He is holding a subordinate position in the company and expects to be promoted soon.目前他在这家公司担当下级职位，但预计很快得到提升。‖III. /səˈbɔ:dineit/ vt. 把…列入下级，使隶属：subordinate one’s own interests to the public good 个人利益服从公众利益