fundamental vs subordinate

fundamental

adj
  • Related to a foundation. base, or basis; serving as a foundation. 

  • essential; extremely important 

noun
  • The lowest frequency of a periodic waveform. 

  • A main or major principle, rule, law, etc. which serves as the foundation or basis of a system; an essential part 

  • The lowest partial of a complex tone. 

subordinate

adj
  • Descending in a regular series. 

  • Placed in a lower class, rank, or position. 

  • dependent on and either modifying or complementing the main clause 

  • Submissive or inferior to, or controlled by authority. 

verb
  • To make subservient. 

  • To treat as of less value or importance. 

  • To make of lower priority in order of payment in bankruptcy. 

noun
  • One who is subordinate. 

How often have the words fundamental and subordinate occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )