superordinate
1
8.4
- adjective
- /ˌsuːpərˈɔːrdɪnɪt/
- Formal
- In biology, the term 'mammal' is a superordinate category that includes all animals like dogs, cats, and elephants.
- a superordinate goal
- a superordinate entity
- a superordinate theme
Examples
-
Indeed, superordinate goals are a key element in generating intergroup harmony (Sherif, 1966).
Academic text (1996) -
The CEO implemented a superordinate strategy to improve cooperation among different departments within the company.
-
At a higher level, the person uses a superordinate term such as "a fruit." Definitional forms, however, vary with the class of word.
Academic text (1993) -
The connections between emerging themes were examined, which allowed us to identify superordinate themes.
Academic text (2010) -
For example, situations from the superordinate coach and miscellaneous categories appear to be almost entirely out of the athlete's control.
Academic text (1996) -
AET theorists conceive of affectionate communication as an evolved behavior that contributes to humans' superordinate motivations to survive and to procreate.
Academic text (2003) -
To better understand the project, we focused on a superordinate objective that outlined the overall goals.
Synonyms
∞
3.9
Highest in rank, quality, or importance
991
3.2
The main thing that matters most
220
1.9
Higher in rank or position than others
191
4.2
Having more power or influence than others in a group
154
4.2
Most important in a group or area
153
4.5
A person who has a high position in an organization
140
4.1
Having a higher rank or position than other people in a group
80
4.2
A person who has an important senior job in an organization
64
4.5
Most important or best in a group of similar things
51
4.2
Having more power than other people in an organization
45
6.7
More important than anything else
18
4.6
A part of an organization that is at a higher position
15
8.0
The most respected and well known in a particular field
5
4.4
In the most important place in your mind
Antonyms
Compounds
- Specialized
A general word that includes more specific words like bird for sparrow
How High
Surface Forms
Morphology
superordinate = ordinate (semi-transparent) = super + ordinate
The prefix 'super-' ('above') is clear but 'ordinate' is a relatively uncommon base for learners, so the combined meaning is only somewhat transparent.
Etymology
Superordinate comes from Latin parts super- meaning 'above' and ord- meaning 'order' or 'rank'. So something described as superordinate is placed 'above' others in a system, which is why it means higher in status or value.