superordinate
- adjective
- /ˌsuːpərˈɔːrdɪnɪt/
- Formal
:
superior
- 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
∞
3.2
The main thing that matters most
737
3.9
Highest in rank, quality, or importance
201
1.9
Higher in rank or position than others
162
4.1
Having a higher rank or position than other people in a group
159
4.2
Having more power or influence than others in a group
122
4.2
Most important in a group or area
61
4.5
Most important or best in a group of similar things
46
4.2
A person who has an important senior job in an organization
45
6.7
More important than anything else
17
8.0
The most respected and well known in a particular field
13
4.2
Having more power than other people in an organization
4
4.6
A part of an organization that is at a higher position
A person who has a high position in an organization
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.