Crossword Dictionary
inferior
inferior - a
of or characteristic of low rank or importance
of low or inferior quality
having an orbit between the sun and the Earth's orbit; "Mercury and Venus are inferior planets"
lower than a given reference point; "inferior alveolar artery"
synonyms
lower, nether
in a sentence
These pearls are of inferior quality.
They were considered a socially inferior group.
He always felt inferior around his brother.
The judges voted to overturn a ruling made by an inferior court.
etymology
early 15c., of land, "low, lower down, lower in position," from Latin inferior "lower, farther down" (also used figuratively), comparative of inferus(adj.) "that is below or beneath," from infra "below" (see infra-). Meaning "lower in degree, rank, grade, or importance" is from 1530s; absolutely, "of low quality or rank," also from 1530s.