We explain what something subordinate is and what is the origin of the term. In addition, its various meanings and examples in sentences.
What is something contingent?
We say that something is subject to another thing when it is subordinate to it, that is, when it depends on something else or, in the case of being an action, its fulfillment depends on it. Therefore, the verb subordinate means to submit to a relationship of subordination, which can mean domination and violent submission, or simply some form of dependency or causal relationship.
The word subordinate comes from the Latin will suffice, and is composed of the voices sub- (“below”) and pedes (“infantry soldier”), so it originally meant something like “reinforce with infantry troops” or “put an infantry troop under someone’s command.” This sense seems to have been preserved over time, to the extent that the infantry troops are subordinate to their officers, that is, subject to their command.
The meaning expressed when we say that something is subject to something else, however, can be more direct and violent, or it can simply be logical and formal.
In the first case, the word ends up being synonymous with "dominated", "subdued", "subjugated" or "subdued", while in the second case it is rather synonymous with "dependent on" or "conditioned to". On the contrary, they are antonyms of this word: “independent”, “liberated” or “unlinked”.
Some examples of using this word in a sentence are as follows:
- The success of our project is subject to the discipline with which we undertake it.
- Our victory will depend on the effort we make on the pitch.
- We do not accept that national interests continue to be subservient to foreign forces!
- The lives of slaves were subject to the whims of their masters.
- The price of goods is subject to fluctuations in domestic demand.
It is important to note that, to use this word correctly, we must always add what the thing is subject to, as follows: “this is subject to that”.