Spanish word

inferior

Pronunciation

IPA/infeˈɾjoɾ/

Meaning

  • adjectiveinferior

Example

Este modelo es inferior al anterior.

This model is inferior to the previous one.

Illustration for inferior (inferior)

More examples

La parte inferior de la caja está mojada.

The bottom part of the box is wet.

Core concept

A smaller, dimmer trophy beside a larger, brighter trophy.

Common phrases

  • calidad inferior

    low quality

  • parte inferior

    bottom part

  • inferior a

    worse than

Similar words

peor: Worse in quality, condition, or performance.
bajo: Low in height, level, or intensity.
deficiente: Not meeting required standards or performing adequately.
mediocre: Of mediocre, uninspired quality and slightly below average.

Definition in Spanish

Indica que algo o alguien tiene menor calidad, rendimiento o valoración en comparación con otro.

Word origin

From Latin inferus 'low' plus the comparative suffix -ior, inferior is the comparative form that extends the spatial sense 'below' to mean lower in rank, quality, or value.

Usage tips

  • Spanish normally links inferior with a to compare items (inferior a) and in everyday speech peor is more common, while más inferior is redundant because inferior already implies comparison.

Other meanings

  • lower-rankingadjective
  • loweradjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word