superordinate
Definitions
Higher in rank, status or category than something else
上级的，地位较高的，上位的
A category or concept that includes more specific ones (e.g. 'animal' over 'dog')
上位概念，上义词（如"动物"涵盖"狗"）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedsuper- (above) + ordin (order, rank) + -ate = 'set above in the order.' It is the direct opposite of subordinate (sub- below): a superordinate person, role, or category sits one level up.
Root order still carries 34 more wordsExample Sentences
- 1.
In the firm's structure, the directors are superordinate to the managers.
- 2.
'Vehicle' is the superordinate term for car, truck and bus.
Easily Confused
superordinate vs subordinate — They are mirror images built on the same root: super- (above) vs sub- (below). A superordinate outranks; a subordinate reports to someone above. In linguistics, a superordinate term is broader (animal), a subordinate term is narrower (poodle).