subordinary: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Extremely rareTechnical/Formal
Quick answer
What does “subordinary” mean?
A subordinate or lesser category or official.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A subordinate or lesser category or official; a thing of secondary rank or importance.
In heraldry, a geometric charge on a coat of arms considered less important than the ordinaries (like the chief, pale, fess, bend, etc.). In administrative contexts, a person holding a subordinate office.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant usage differences; the word is archaic/technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes historical, ecclesiastical, or heraldic hierarchy. May sound antiquated.
Frequency
Virtually unused in contemporary language in both regions. Might be marginally more encountered in British texts due to historical/heraldic traditions, but this is negligible.
Grammar
How to Use “subordinary” in a Sentence
[subordinary] of [something]the [subordinary] known as [name]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “subordinary” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The subordinary charges were tinctured argent.
- He held a subordinary position in the diocese.
American English
- The subordinary charges were colored silver.
- He held a subordinary office in the diocese.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Possible in historical, ecclesiastical, or heraldic studies.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
The primary domain: heraldry and historical church administration.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “subordinary”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “subordinary”
- Using it to mean 'somewhat ordinary'.
- Confusing it with 'subordinate' in modern general contexts where 'subordinate' is correct.
- Misspelling as 'subordinari', 'subordinarity'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an extremely rare and specialized term, mostly confined to heraldry and historical contexts.
No. In modern general English, 'subordinate' is the correct word. 'Subordinary' is not a synonym for a subordinate person in a workplace.
It is a simple geometric charge on a shield, like a bordure, canton, or orle, considered of lesser importance than the main ordinaries (like the fess or pale).
Quite the opposite. It means 'secondary to the ordinary' or 'a lesser kind of ordinary' within a specific hierarchical system (like heraldry).
A subordinate or lesser category or official.
Subordinary is usually technical/formal in register.
Subordinary: in British English it is pronounced /sʌbˈɔːdɪn(ə)ri/, and in American English it is pronounced /səbˈɔːrdəˌneri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SUB-ORDINARY. It's UNDER (sub) the main ORDINARY things in rank.
Conceptual Metaphor
HIERARCHY IS VERTICAL POSITION (lower rank).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'subordinary' primarily used today?