I'm looking for some sort of antonym for the word subordinate, to be used in a sentence such as
She [verb] these principles above all others.
It's being used in an academic paper, so it shouldn't be too clunky.
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2You could try 'holds', 'values', or 'elevates'.– Roaring FishCommented Nov 4, 2012 at 8:38
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2I think that elevates and advocates are two good antonynms.– user21497Commented Nov 4, 2012 at 10:00
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5 Answers
You already have above in there, so all you're missing is a simple put.
She puts these principles above all others.
answered Nov 4, 2012 at 17:18
There actually is a verb superordinate that means precisely the opposite of what subordinate means. Here is its OED definition and citation:
trans. To place in a superior order or rank. Const. to.
- 1853 Sir W. Hamilton Logic App. ii. 443 ― Two notions are superordinated to a third.
However, I would not recommend superordinated for several reasons. It is rare. It is much too long. And I really don’t think even subordinated fits well in your original sentence.
Instead I recommend going with one of the one-syllable suggestions others here have given, or perhaps in a few cases, a two-syllable one if it isn’t too fancy. But you very most certainly do not need some recondite five-syllable word for such a simple thing.
How about "elevate?" Elegant and not clunky.
You could try "honoured or "glorified " raising the subject from that of an underling to something of a higher status
Since "subordinate" is not rock bottom, only lower priority, I think prioritize, prefer, emphasize, favor would be the proper antonyms, giving a precedence without absolute superiority.
Although in the example you gave, "above all others" would suggest this is not what you require; in this case you may choose adhere, devote [self to], celebrate, cherish.
