Definitions Related words Phrases Mentions History Colors (New!)

Literary notes about Subsidiary (AI summary)

The term "subsidiary" is commonly used in literature to denote that which is secondary or supportive to a primary element. It appears across varied genres to indicate a subordinate role, whether referring to additional narrative threads, as in the development of minor plots or themes that complement a central storyline [1][2], or to lesser charges and auxiliary aspects within technical or analytical discussions [3][4]. In contexts ranging from organizational structure to economic arrangements, the word underscores a dependency or diminished status relative to a dominant component [5][6]. Additionally, in philosophical and critical writings it helps to distinguish between what is essential and what is of lesser relevance, thereby enriching discussions about the hierarchy of ideas and actions [7][8].
  1. In this canvas is worked out a very delicate central intrigue, as in 'Dr. Pascal,' and around this are many little stories or subsidiary plots.
    — from The Three Cities Trilogy: Lourdes, Volume 1 by Émile Zola
  2. This is elaborately and brilliantly developed until, in measure 79 (counting from the Allegro), we reach a transitional, subsidiary theme in B minor.
    — from Music: An Art and a Language by Walter Raymond Spalding
  3. Occasionally it will be found couped, but it is then, as a rule, only occupying the position of a subsidiary charge.
    — from A Complete Guide to Heraldry by Arthur Charles Fox-Davies
  4. In none of these cases is it necessary to specify the position of the subsidiary charges.
    — from A Complete Guide to Heraldry by Arthur Charles Fox-Davies
  5. The British service Telecom-Gold is a subsidiary of Dialcom UK.
    — from The Online World by Odd De Presno
  6. A fifth subsidiary opened in Canada in June 2002, and a sixth subsidiary, named Joyo, opened in China in September 2004.
    — from The eBook is 40 (1971-2011) by Marie Lebert
  7. But is there not a second and subsidiary idea underlying the Apocalyptic rebuke?
    — from St. Paul's Epistles to the Colossians and Philemon by J. B. Lightfoot
  8. They all agree essentially about the universe, in deeming that what happens there is subsidiary to what we think or feel about it.
    — from The Will to Believe, and Other Essays in Popular Philosophy by William James

More usage examples

Also see: Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, BlueSky


Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Threepeat Redux