Meaning
从属 describes a relationship where one thing is subordinate to, dependent on, or affiliated with another. It indicates a hierarchical or dependent connection where one entity is under the control, influence, or organizational structure of another. The word emphasizes the secondary or dependent status of the subordinate entity.
Usage
从属 is commonly used in formal, academic, or administrative contexts to describe organizational relationships, grammatical dependencies, or logical hierarchies. It appears frequently in discussions of institutional structure, grammar (subordinate clauses), and classification systems. The term carries a neutral, descriptive tone rather than a negative connotation.
Examples
- 01这个部门从属于市政府管理。.This department is subordinate to the municipal government.
- 02在语法中，从属连词用来连接主句和从句。, .In grammar, subordinating conjunctions are used to connect main clauses and subordinate clauses.
Characters
Common collocations
- 从属关系subordinate relationship
- 从属于to be subordinate to
- 从属地位subordinate status
- 从属连词subordinating conjunction
Antonyms
Origin
The compound combines 从 (to follow) and 属 (to belong to), literally meaning 'following and belonging to,' which naturally extends to the concept of subordination or affiliation.