What does subordinating mean?
Subordinating is an adjective and participial form associated with making something dependent or lower in rank. Its most familiar use is grammatical: a subordinating conjunction, such as “because,” “although,” “while,” or “if,” introduces a subordinate clause and connects it to a main clause. This construction makes the relationship between two ideas explicit, often by expressing time, cause, condition, contrast, or purpose. The word can also describe a general process of placing a person or thing in a subordinate role. In general use, “subordinating” is formal and less common than the simpler words “making dependent” or “putting below.” Its related noun, “subordination,” is especially frequent in discussions of grammar, social hierarchy, and workplace organization. Understanding the term helps explain why certain conjunctions cannot stand alone and why a subordinate clause cannot usually form a complete sentence by itself.
Serving to make something dependent or subordinate; especially, of a conjunction, introducing a subordinate clause.
"“Although” is a subordinating conjunction because it introduces a dependent clause."
In grammar, this adjective is typically used with “conjunction” or “clause.”
Present participle of “subordinate,” meaning to place someone or something in a dependent or lower position.
"The policy is subordinating local decisions to central management."
Used as a participle; the corresponding infinitive form is “subordinate.”
Subordinating conjunctions are the glue that turns two clauses into one complete thought.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does subordinating come from?
The word comes from the Latin “subordinare,” formed from “sub-” meaning “under” and “ordo” meaning “order,” with the sense of arranging something under an established rank or authority. English borrowed the related forms “subordinate” and “subordination,” from which “subordinating” developed. The same Latin root appears in cognates such as “ordain,” “order,” and “ordinance,” all connected with arranging or ranking.
Related word forms
How subordinating is actually used
In grammar, “subordinating” is most commonly used with “conjunction.” In other contexts, it describes something that is subordinate or dependent.
Easily confused with subordinating
A subordinating conjunction introduces a dependent clause, whereas a coordinating conjunction joins grammatically equivalent elements.
“Subordinating” usually describes a grammatical word or construction, while “subordinate” can describe a person, thing, or clause that depends on something else.