subordinate clause


noun Grammar.

a clause that modifies the principal clause or some part of it or that serves a noun function in the principal clause, as when she arrived in the sentence I was there when she arrived or that she has arrived in the sentence I doubt that she has arrived.
Also called de·pend·ent clause.
Compare main clause.

British Dictionary definitions for dependent clause (1 of 2)

dependent clause

noun

grammar another term for subordinate clause

British Dictionary definitions for dependent clause (2 of 2)

subordinate clause

noun

grammar a clause with an adjectival, adverbial, or nominal function, rather than one that functions as a separate sentence in its own right Compare coordinate clause, main clause

Cultural definitions for dependent clause

dependent clause

A clause that does not stand alone as a sentence but depends on another clause to complete its meaning: “When I get my braces off, I will be very happy.” Dependent clauses are also known as subordinate clauses. (Compare independent clause.)