What does subjoining mean?
Subjoining means adding or appending material to an existing text, statement, or document. The word is formal and uncommon, but it describes a precise editorial action: one person contributes a clause, note, explanation, or other information to material that is already present. Subjoining does not generally mean placing something physically underneath or connecting two objects; its usual sense is textual addition. For example, an editor might subjoin a footnote to an article, or a scholar might subjoin a short comment to a document. The word’s unusual form may make it sound more technical than simpler alternatives such as adding, appending, or attaching. Its historical formation is transparent: the prefix sub- expresses a subordinate or secondary position, while join refers to putting together. Subjoining is therefore especially suitable when the added material is to follow or be incorporated beneath the main text in the written record.
verbTo add or append something to the end or bottom of an existing text, statement, or collection.
- To append or add something to an existing text, statement, or collection.
"The editor subjoined a brief explanation to the original account."
"The scholar subjoined a commentary to the translated passage."
"A final warning was subjoined to the notice."
The prefix sub- means “under,” so subjoin literally suggests joining something underneath or onto the end of something already there.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does subjoining come from?
Subjoining is formed from the prefix sub- and the verb join. The prefix sub- comes from Latin and conveys meanings such as under, below, or secondary, while join is related to Old French joindre and Latin jungere, “to join.” In this formation, subjoin developed the sense of adding something to the end or underside of an existing text. It is closely related in origin to words such as conjoin, enjoin, and disjoin.
Related word forms
How subjoining is actually used
This is a formal and relatively uncommon verb. It is often used in editorial, scholarly, and legal contexts, especially when material is added to the end of a written text.