B2 adjective Neutral

satellite

/ˈsæt.əl.aɪt/

Used to describe something that is physically separate from but dependent on or controlled by a larger, central organization or area. It often refers to secondary locations like towns, offices, or campuses that revolve around a main hub.

Examples

3 of 5
1

We decided to buy a house in a satellite town because the city center was too expensive.

We chose to live in a smaller town surrounding the main city for better affordability.

2

The government is funding the development of satellite clinics to improve healthcare access in rural regions.

The state is investing in smaller, dependent medical centers to reach remote areas.

3

I usually work at the satellite office near my house on Fridays.

I spend my Fridays at the smaller, local branch of our company.

Word Family

Noun
satellite
Adjective
satellite
Related
satellitization
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Memory Tip

Think of the moon: it is a satellite because it circles and depends on the Earth. Similarly, a satellite office 'circles' and depends on the main headquarters.

Quick Quiz

Because the main hospital was full, the patient was transferred to a ______ clinic in the suburbs.

Correct!

The correct answer is: satellite

Examples

1

We decided to buy a house in a satellite town because the city center was too expensive.

everyday

We chose to live in a smaller town surrounding the main city for better affordability.

2

The government is funding the development of satellite clinics to improve healthcare access in rural regions.

formal

The state is investing in smaller, dependent medical centers to reach remote areas.

3

I usually work at the satellite office near my house on Fridays.

informal

I spend my Fridays at the smaller, local branch of our company.

4

The researchers compared the academic performance of students at the main university to those at the satellite campus.

academic

The study analyzed student results at the central institution versus the secondary location.

5

Our satellite branch handles all regional logistics while the headquarters focuses on global strategy.

business

Our secondary office manages local operations while the main office handles broad planning.

Word Family

Noun
satellite
Adjective
satellite
Related
satellitization

Common Collocations

satellite town A smaller town that is located near and dependent on a large city.
satellite campus A secondary campus of a college or university located away from the main site.
satellite office A workplace separate from the main headquarters of a company.
satellite state A country that is formally independent but under heavy political influence by another.
satellite image A picture of the Earth or other planets taken by an artificial satellite.

Common Phrases

satellite navigation

A system (like GPS) that uses satellites to provide autonomous geo-spatial positioning.

satellite link

A telecommunications connection using a satellite.

satellite dish

A bowl-shaped antenna used to receive or transmit signals to a satellite.

Often Confused With

satellite vs suburb

A suburb is a residential area on the edge of a city; a satellite town is a separate urban entity that functions independently but is connected to a larger city.

satellite vs tributary

A tributary refers to a stream flowing into a larger river, whereas satellite refers to organizational or spatial dependency.

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Usage Notes

When used as an adjective, 'satellite' usually precedes the noun it modifies (e.g., satellite clinic). It suggests a hub-and-spoke relationship where the satellite entity relies on the central 'hub' for resources or governance.

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Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'satellite' only as a noun for space objects. Remember that in business or geography contexts, it describes the relationship between a smaller branch and a main center.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the moon: it is a satellite because it circles and depends on the Earth. Similarly, a satellite office 'circles' and depends on the main headquarters.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'satelles', meaning an attendant, guard, or companion who follows a powerful person.

Grammar Patterns

Always used before a noun as an attributive adjective. Does not have comparative or superlative forms (you cannot be 'more satellite').
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Cultural Context

In modern urban planning, satellite towns are a key strategy for reducing overcrowding in mega-cities like London, Tokyo, or New York.

Quick Quiz

Because the main hospital was full, the patient was transferred to a ______ clinic in the suburbs.

Correct!

The correct answer is: satellite

Related Words

pale

A1

Describes something that has very little color or is much lighter than usual. It is often used to describe a person's face when they are ill or a color that is mixed with a lot of white.

lung

A1

The lungs are two organs inside your chest that you use to breathe. They bring oxygen into your body and remove carbon dioxide when you breathe out.

tropical

A1

Relating to the hot regions of the Earth near the equator. It describes weather that is very warm and wet, or plants and animals that come from these areas.

trader

A1

A trader is a person whose job is to buy and sell goods, stocks, or other items for profit. They can work in a small local market or on large international financial exchanges.

indoor

A1

Describes something that is located, happens, or is used inside a building rather than outside. It is an adjective used before a noun to talk about activities or objects protected from the weather.

threshold

A1

A threshold is the physical area at the bottom of a doorway that you step over to enter a room or building. It also refers to the level or point at which something starts to happen or changes.

tribute

A1

A tribute is something that you say, do, or give to show your respect and admiration for someone. It is often a public act used to honor a person's life, work, or memory.

elder

A1

Used to describe a person who is older than another, especially within a family. It is also used to refer to people who have a high status or more experience because of their age.

russian

A1

Relating to Russia, its people, its language, or its culture. It describes things that come from or are connected to the largest country in the world.

southeastern

A1

Located in or coming from the direction between south and east. It describes a place, a region, or a wind that is in the corner between the bottom and the right on a map.

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