Main Entry:

in·fe·ri·or

Pronunciation:

\in-ˈfir-ē-ər\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English, from Latin, comparative of inferus lower — more at under

Date:

15th century

1: situated lower down : lower2 a: of low or lower degree or rank b: of poor quality : mediocre3: of little or less importance, value, or merit4 a: situated below another and especially another similar superior part of an upright body b: situated in a relatively low posterior or ventral position in a quadrupedal body c (1): situated below another plant part or organ (2): abaxial5: relating to or being a subscript

— inferior noun

— in·fe·ri·or·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌfir-ē-ˈȯr-ə-tē, -ˈär-\ noun

— in·fe·ri·or·ly \in-ˈfir-ē-ər-lē\ adverb