Home British & World English sub-

Definition of sub- in English:

sub-

prefix

  • 1At, to, or from a lower level or position.

    ‘subalpine’
    1. 1.1Lower in rank.
      ‘subaltern’
      ‘subdeacon’
      low-ranking, lower-ranking, subordinate, sub-, lesser, lower, minor, secondary, inferior
    2. 1.2Of a smaller size; of a subordinate nature.
      ‘subculture’

  • 2Somewhat; nearly; more or less.

    ‘subantarctic’

  • 3Denoting subsequent or secondary action of the same kind.

    ‘sublet’
    ‘subdivision’

  • 4Denoting support.

    ‘subvention’

  • 5Chemistry
    In names of compounds containing a relatively small proportion of a component.

    ‘suboxide’

Usage

Sub- is also found assimilated in the following forms: suc- before c; suf- before f; sug- before g; sup- before p; sur- before r; sus- before c, p, t

Origin

From Latin sub ‘under, close to’.

Pronunciation

sub-

/sʌb/ /səb/