superordinate

[ adjective noun soo-per-awr-dn-it; verb soo-per-awr-dn-eyt ]

adjective

1. of higher degree in condition or rank.
2. Logic. (of a universal proposition) related to a particular proposition of the same quality and containing the same terms in the same order.

noun

1. a superordinate person or thing.
2. Linguistics. a term that denotes a general class under which a set of subcategories is subsumed: Compare hyponym.

   “Child” is the superordinate of “girl” and “boy.”

verb (used with object)

, su·per·or·di·nat·ed, su·per·or·di·nat·ing.

1. to elevate to superordinate position.

superordinate

adjective

1. of higher status or condition

noun

1. a person or thing that is superordinate
2. a word the meaning of which includes the meaning of another word or words Compare hyponym synonym antonym

   ``red'' is a superordinate of ``scarlet'', ``vermilion'', and ``crimson''

verb

1. rare.
   tr to make superordinate

Word History and Origins

Origin of superordinate¹

First recorded in 1610–20; super- + (sub)ordinate

Example Sentences

“When diverse groups are working toward a superordinate goal, this can lead to adopting a common identity,” she wrote.

From The Daily Beast