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Gene93 Posted 11 years ago
Vocabulary
subordinate/subservient
Hello,
Since subordinate is listed as a synonym I have no choice but to ask you if there's any difference in meaning. I think they are very similar in the sense of "less important than something else." Can they both be used here: "All other issues are subordinate/subservient to this one." or "In this business everything is subordinate/subservient to making a profit."
They do look the same to me. Thank you
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Since subordinate is listed as a synonym I have no choice but to ask you if there's any difference in meaning. I think they are very similar in the sense of "less important than something else." Can they both be used here: "All other issues are subordinate/subservient to this one." or "In this business everything is subordinate/subservient to making a profit."
They do look the same to me. Thank you
.Top answer
They are identical in your context. Note that subordinate can be "noun" and "verb" too. Regards Hamid
- They are identical in your context.
- Note that subordinate can be "noun" and "verb" too.
- Regards Hamid
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7 Answers
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They are identical in your context. Note that subordinate can be "noun" and "verb" too.
Regards
Hamid
Regards
Hamid
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I gave it some thought, but I couldn't really see a significant difference in meaning. Thank you .
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"subservient' is usually used for people. It is more than a hierarchical relationship than subordinate, but one of a master-servant relationship.
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Hello, Alphecca Stars,
True. I shouldn't have suggested it, but Macmillan Dictionary says that it also conveys the meaning of being less important. But we can say that in some parts of the world women are subordinate to men, or that someone plays/has a secondary role, can't we?
True. I shouldn't have suggested it, but Macmillan Dictionary says that it also conveys the meaning of being less important. But we can say that in some parts of the world women are subordinate to men, or that someone plays/has a secondary role, can't we?
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Gene93women are subordinate to menWomen get less opportunities in the job market, and they usually report to a man. When there is a choice between a man and a woman, all other aspects equal, the man is chosen.
Gene93women are subservient to menWomen have to cover themselves when they go out, have no property right
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Thanks, but if women are subservient to men, doesn't that mean that men are in command? They tell the women what to, what do wear, how to carry themselves, etc. In some countries, men don't even allow their wives to work. In terms of hierarchy, subordinate means "in a less important/prestigious position" (than men in our context). Subservient also means they are willing to obey their husbands or m
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Gene93Thanks, but if women are subservient to men, doesn't that mean that men are in command?Yes, completely. Women have no rights.
Gene93 subordinate means "in a less important/prestigious position" (than men in our context).Yes.
Gene93Subservient also means they are willing to obey their husbands
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